Marz Auctions Very Special Doll Auction-April 12th
Lot 141:
Acrobat on Ladder Automaton by Michel Marcu, late 20th century, featuring a papier-mâché head, blue glass eyes, expressive makeup, brown wig, and metal hands. The figure balances on a swaying ladder, with a going-barrel movement in the base that is supposed to play two melodies. Dressed in a jeweled white silk clown suit with a red satin bodice, yellow net ruff, pointed shoes, and a matching hat adorned with gold sequin swirls. Height when raised: 27 inches. Inspired by the designs of Lambert and Roullet et Decamps, this automaton was designed to perform a fluid acrobatic routine. It is meant to start in a standing position with both hands on the ladder, gradually lifting into a vertical handstand. The left arm would then extend as if shifting weight onto the right, tilting the body into a 45-degree arc. The legs were intended to bend at the knees before smoothly returning to the starting pose, repeating the sequence three times. However, the mechanism is not currently functioning when tested. Comes with its own key.
Condition: Good
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