$9,500
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sold
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Description
27" (69 cm.) Arranged upon a wooden ebony platform is a garden bower scene in which two paper-mache glass-eyed monkeys,costumed as aristocratic Marquis gentlemen,are seated with musical instruments,one as harpist,the other as violinist,while nearby are a music stand and a violin case; the entire vignette is under a glass dome. Condition: generally excellent,repair to glass dome at back (under ribbon),fine original presentation and well-functioning movements and music. Comments: Jean Phalibois,France,circa 1875,the depiction of the French aristocrats as costumed monkeys was a popular theme allowing a gentle mocking of the habits of that upper society. When activated,the harpist strums harp alternating between left and right hand,the violinist strums the violin,and each monkey moves head from side-to-side and then up and down,while hinged jaw opens and closes as though they are singing in time to the music which plays. There are ten movements and two tunes. Value Points: luxury automaton with superb costuming and setting,wonderful movements,and rich strong musical tunes.