This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2020
Demon’s Head or Satyr Head. Flein: Rüdiger Deutsch, ca. 2000. Modeled on apparatus described in Hoffmann’s Modern Magic (1876). The demon’s head, resting atop the conjurer’s table, opens and closes its mouth as its eyes scan the audience. Then, chosen cards appear from the figure’s mouth, while three more selections appear at the top of its head between its horns. Finely constructed from papier-mache with well-executed hand-painted details, ringed with a plush collar and resting atop a brass column supported by a plush-covered pedestal concealing the three levers that operate the head. Height 28 ¼”. The only example made by Deustch.Every detail of this faux automaton was considered in the construction, including the vintage German newspapers used to finish the interior of the demon’s head. The internal mechanism does not rely on clockwork, but rather a series of levers that operate spring-loaded works, providing a reliable, easy to operate, and faithful recreation of this classic conjuring device.