15". Upon a wooden platform with tapestry cover to appear as a carpet is seated a bisque-headed doll with blue glass eyes, mohair lashes, slightly open mouth, blonde mohair wig, carton torso and lower legs, bisque forearms. She is wearing her original aqua silk dress with lace collar and hem trimmed with silver beads, matching bonnet, and is holding a little all-bisque doll in matching costume. In her right hand she holds a rattle. Arranged around her are toys comprising another all-bisque doll seated on a nodding head donkey, and a carved bone ball and cup game. The base has original red paper label "L.B. Brevet Paris" and original tune label with intertwined initials GD and ink script name of tune "Petit Paysanne".
Movements: The doll looks to the left and leans forward, blinking her eyes, and lifting her little doll several times. She sits back and nods back and forth, then lifts her right hand to shake rattle. Her right foot kicks up and down in delight. Music plays.
Historical References: The model was actually deposed by Lambert, indicating his preferences for its myriad of activities and childlike charm. This automaton is a departure from his classic pieces featuring beautifully costumed Bebes with two or three motions. The motions here are more complicated and the presentation most unusual. The automaton was deposed by Lambert on May 1, 1894. In his patent Lambert described his design process that included observation of an actual child: "I placed a child on the floor and surrounded him with his toys. I took careful note of the movements made by the child and I have managed to imitate the entire range of these movements." Interestingly, he used the pronoun "him" and the patent illustration depicted a boy, yet every example found of this model has shown a girl at play. Likely Lambert considered a pretty little girl to have more marketability. Circa 1895.