Details
Image(s)
TitleMusical Acrobat Automaton with Cylinder Movement
Creator Michel Bertrand (automatenbouwer)
PlaceBullet (Zwitserland)
Year ca. 1989
Object number0822
Object nameautomaton with playing comb, automaton with cylinder
DescriptionThe acrobat balances calmly on his white metal ladder before showing off his tricks. The central spring motor is incorporated into the table on which the acrobat performs his tricks. All movements are coordinated by a kind of iron nervous system. For example, through one of the ladder pillars run the movement wires that direct the various movements via the puppet's left arm. One command wire provides the slow back-and-forth movement of the ladder during the performance. Another command wire takes care of the handstand itself and yet another controls the movement of the head during the handstand and hovering position. Two other movements are also controlled through this system of iron wires: the lateral shifting of body weight and the accompanying release of the right hand. This handstand on a single hand is the spectacular highlight of the performance, which lasts over a hundred seconds. The motor, with its spring barrel, also drives the cylinder movement that provides accompanying music for the spectacle.
Accompanying textsThe musical movement plays melody: the Kaiserwaltzer by Johann Strauss. The sound source is a musical comb.
This model was made in 1989, and is a copy of an original from around 1890. Musical instruments playing in miraculous automated ways naturally made a big impression hundreds of years ago. And the wonder was all the greater when human or animal figures performed the most unimaginable tricks to the accompaniment of this mechanical music. In Paris in 1900, the automaton industry was flourishing. The "Le Marais" district in particular was a thriving stronghold of automaton makers. Clowns, magicians and acrobats were popular at the time. And so automaton makers took up the challenge of depicting them in lifelike puppets. Over time, to make the movements even more captivating, they were also fitted with various magic tricks, so these automatons continue to inspire magicians and illusionists today. Orientalist imagery was also very popular, as can be seen in the costume of this vaguely 'exotic' figure, which seems to partially mimic Indian fashions.
This model was made in 1989, and is a copy of an original from around 1890. Musical instruments playing in miraculous automated ways naturally made a big impression hundreds of years ago. And the wonder was all the greater when human or animal figures performed the most unimaginable tricks to the accompaniment of this mechanical music. In Paris in 1900, the automaton industry was flourishing. The "Le Marais" district in particular was a thriving stronghold of automaton makers. Clowns, magicians and acrobats were popular at the time. And so automaton makers took up the challenge of depicting them in lifelike puppets. Over time, to make the movements even more captivating, they were also fitted with various magic tricks, so these automatons continue to inspire magicians and illusionists today. Orientalist imagery was also very popular, as can be seen in the costume of this vaguely 'exotic' figure, which seems to partially mimic Indian fashions.
Dimensions
geheel height: 120 cm
geheel width: 45 cm
geheel depth: 29 cm
geheel width: 45 cm
geheel depth: 29 cm
Digital references