$7,000
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Description
27" (69 cm.) Arranged upon a wooden ebony platform is an arched garland trellis in which a paper mache glass-eyed monkey, costumed as an aristocratic Marquis gentleman, is seated at a velvet-covered iron table with fringe trim, holding a goblet in one hand and a cigarette in the other; the entire vignette is under a glass dome. When wound, and strings pulled, the Marquis alternately sips from his goblet and smokes his cigar, while his lips move as though speaking and head turns from side to side and around, while two musical tunes play. Condition: generally excellent. 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. There are ten movements and two tunes. Value Points: superb luxury automaton is in wonderfully preserved condition, with exceptional silk costuming, and most delightful contrast of satirizing set against elegant ambiance.