French. 1880s. Papier-mâché head with bisque hands and arms. A classic automaton from the golden age of automata (1860-1910) made by Leopold Lambert, one of the great master automata makers of the 19th century. Lambert apprenticed under Gustav Vichy, one of the greatest automata masters of the time. An automaton (pl. automata) is a mechanically moving figure. These figures were typically not made as toys, but rather, were made for society's well-to-do elite to decorate their homes and intrigue children - BUT THEY WERE NOT TO BE TOUCHED! The clothing for Lamberts automata were created with the assistance of his wife, Eugenie, a Parisian tailor. This piece is dressed in a red silk jacket with pearls, tan silk vest with red buttons, felt hat, red satin shoes and black tights. Head is made of papier-mâché and shows a white jester face, with brown glass eyes with lashes, open mouth with teeth showing and black mohair wig. Head turns and arms play the mandolin. Hands and arms are bisque. Green velvet base with brass key and stop/start brass button. An exquisite, intricate and rare piece. Original paper song label pasted to underside. 16" X 7" x 13".

Scattered surface blemishes to the left side of his face. Mechanically functioning.