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Details
An Adolf Müller kniting automaton
with papier-mâché head and hands, sitting on a high-backed chair, the stop/start going-barrel movement in the metal torso causing her to twist each hand in knitting motion, while slowly lowering her head and closing her eyes, in original black dress with lace collar, cap and lace apron - 20in. (51cm.) high, circa 1895
with papier-mâché head and hands, sitting on a high-backed chair, the stop/start going-barrel movement in the metal torso causing her to twist each hand in knitting motion, while slowly lowering her head and closing her eyes, in original black dress with lace collar, cap and lace apron - 20in. (51cm.) high, circa 1895
Literature
Ernst Holweissg Nachf. (reprint of 1898 catalogue), p.277.
Christian Bailly, (1987), Automata, The Golden Age, 1848-1914, p. 302.
Comparatively little is known about this German maker, although he was probably operating from the 1890s until the first World War. Müller specialised in copying well-known French automata of the period, including the knitting lady and shoe-shine by Decamps, magicians and a series of black musicians by Vichy. His automata closely resemble the French pieces they copy, although certain characteristics reveal their German origins: amongst others construction of the motor, the type of eye movement, and absence of musical accompaniment.
Christian Bailly, (1987), Automata, The Golden Age, 1848-1914, p. 302.
Comparatively little is known about this German maker, although he was probably operating from the 1890s until the first World War. Müller specialised in copying well-known French automata of the period, including the knitting lady and shoe-shine by Decamps, magicians and a series of black musicians by Vichy. His automata closely resemble the French pieces they copy, although certain characteristics reveal their German origins: amongst others construction of the motor, the type of eye movement, and absence of musical accompaniment.
Special notice
VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price plus buyer's premium