$400
Sold
sold
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Description
10" (25 cm.) x 8". An ebonized wooden box with glass front encloses a castle ruins at the waterfront; a glass spiral designed to appear as though flowing water is centered in the well, and three people are posed alongside, one being a man who is seated, holding a mandolin; he is off-set from the background and designed with movable elbow to appear as though he is strumming the mandolin when the mechanism is wound; music plays. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: French, circa 1860, the tableau was designed for parlor display, its purpose being the sound of beautiful music as well as the motions of arm and water. Value Points: well-preserved tableau for the luxury market.