A bisque-head man with brown glass enamel eyes, closed mouth, blonde mohair wig, carton torso and legs, and metal hands is standing in a nonchalant pose upon a green velvet-covered flat base, his right leg crossed at the knees, and a violin and bow held in his arms. He wears an elaborate cavalier costume of red and gold silk satin with matching long cape, ormolu tassels, matching elaborate crown cap, and knit leggings with silk bow-trimmed shoes. The head, by Gaultier, has early block letter F.G. marking. Paper label at the base lists two tunes, Elisa Valse and Le Roi des Amoureux Quadrille. Movements: he turns his head from side to side, nods up and down, and strums the violin with his right hand that is hinged at the elbow. Ten years earlier, about 1870,Vichy had created the Ethiopian Flutist standing in the same crossed knee pose; and it is likely that his mechanical system was re-created for this smaller bisque version. By Gustav Vichy, France, circa 1880. 19" (49 cm). Three movements. Two tunes. Exhibits: Hospice Saint-Charles,Liege,1994.