$23,000
Sold
sold
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Description
34" (86 cm.) l. base,24" acrobat,39" overall h. A
wooden pedestal table with velvet cover is set
center-stage on a tapestry-covered platform with
nine-steps on either side. Posed upon the platform
is an acrobatic contortionist,having
staff/composition head,blue glass eyes,flocked
brown hair and open mouth with teeth,dressed in an
ivory satin costume with black stockings and satin
shoes. Beginning his performance,the acrobat lies
flat,head down,balanced upon his hands; the table
swivels and he makes a scissor movement with his
legs while nodding his head. He raises his legs.
The table swivels again,he raises his head and
lifts his stomach off the table,arching his back
and raising his legs in an amazing contortionist
manner. He repeats the scissoring movement,and
then lowers himself,to repeat the performance.
There are six musical tunes. Condition: generally
excellent,all original,mechanism and music
functions well. Comments: Michel
Bertrand,successor to the original Vichy firm,with
original parts from the Vichy workshop including
the head with original paint,torso mechanism and
six tune musical movement,the piece was assembled
and completed in the late 20th century,based upon
the Vichy model #622. The extraordinary movements
are based upon the man's uniquely partitioned
body consisting of wood block sections connected
by multiple hinges. Value Points: an outstanding
automaton with most intricate and astonishing
movements,six tunes,great rarity and wonderful
state of preservation.