Automata: Life & Other Illusions

Pierrot Writing Automaton. Switzerland: Michel Bertrand, ca. 1975. The Pierrot, seated at a writing desk replete with a brass oil lamp, holds a quill in one hand. A letter lays on the table before him. When the mechanism is activated, the lamp is lit, and the figure beings writing. He nods off, and as he does, the lamp light dims on its own. Awakening, the Pierrot reaches toward the lamp, adjusts the flame, and begins writing again, finishing his letter. Garbed in a white-and-black fabric costume, papier mache head, glass eyes. The action of the figure is accompanied by a hidden music box concealed in the body of the Pierrot. Modeled on the Vichy design of the nineteenth century, and outfitted with a clockwork motor. One of a handful made to order by Bertrand. With a custom acrylic vitrine for display. VIEW VIDEO