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Details
A rare Renou automaton of a maid and magic portrait,
the maid with Jumeau bisque head impressed M, closed mouth, blue paperweight eyes, heavy brows, pierced ears, brown hair wig and bisque hands holding bone-handled feather duster, the portrait standing on an easel, with going-barrel movement in the base playing one air and causing the maid to dust with her right hand, then throw both arms in the air and look up in surprise as the portrait moves its eyes, mouth and moustache, in the original eau-de-nil satin bodice, lace apron and swathed cream satin skirt edged in blue velvet -- 15in. (38cm.) high, with Renou key, (repaired hairline across forehead, easel replaced)
the maid with Jumeau bisque head impressed M, closed mouth, blue paperweight eyes, heavy brows, pierced ears, brown hair wig and bisque hands holding bone-handled feather duster, the portrait standing on an easel, with going-barrel movement in the base playing one air and causing the maid to dust with her right hand, then throw both arms in the air and look up in surprise as the portrait moves its eyes, mouth and moustache, in the original eau-de-nil satin bodice, lace apron and swathed cream satin skirt edged in blue velvet -- 15in. (38cm.) high, with Renou key, (repaired hairline across forehead, easel replaced)
Literature
Christian Bailly, (1987), Automata, The Golden Age, 1848 - 1914, p. 194.
One of the rarest automata produced by Renou, it is thought that the only other surviving example is in the Guinness collection.
One of the rarest automata produced by Renou, it is thought that the only other surviving example is in the Guinness collection.
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis
This lot is subject to Collection and Storage charges