This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/12/2024
French Arcade Automaton Theater with Ten Vignettes. French, ca. early 1900s. Very large functional automaton made of wood, metal, oil paint, fabric, and wiring with 10 vignettes each measuring 15 x 13 ¾”. This working automaton was likely from a French arcade, who are revered for this tradition of beautifully constructed kinetic sculptures. Theater vignettes from left to right: Cobbler, sparse shop in background. Firemen pumping water, burning buildings in the background. Husband pulling on donkey ears while wife pulls on tail, landscape background. Farmer grabbing pig, farm outbuilding background. Loggers sawing in tandem, forest background. Clown ringing bell, plain background. Carpenters hammering and band-sawing, house interior background. Blacksmith forging and operating bellows, buildings background. Fiddler playing, four figures dancing in an open forest background. Townsperson giving dead hare to constable as gift (or bribe!), estate scene background. Each scene is framed with a faux painted Corinthian column, stylized floral motif, and horizontal red curtain. Lower stage edge refitted (later) with white string lights (non-functional, can be removed or replaced). 24 x 202 x 8”. Tested with mechanics working. Cosmetic wear consistent with age; surface dust, areas of split wood, and some paint loss. Connected and structurally reinforced on the back. Third party shipping required.