French musical automaton, ca. 1920.

French musical automaton, ca. 1920.
"Musician of the 18th century".
Ceramic head, celluloid hands.
Period dress in fabric.
Has key.
It works.
Exhibits wear consistent with age and use.
Measurements: 39 x 14 x 10 cm.

Made in France during the 1920s, this automaton reflects the fascination of the time for the recreation of historical figures. It depicts an 18th century musician, capturing the fashion and details characteristic of the French court of that period. The composer wears culotte-style flared pants and a long doublet-like jacket with a lace blouse underneath. In addition to the baton, he wears a miniature book on his sleeve, which could symbolize musical scores or literature, suggesting erudition. Her ceramic head is completed with white hair, alluding to the powdered wigs of the time.

During the 1920s, there was a resurgence of interest in automata and musical boxes in France. These objects combined traditional craftsmanship with technological advances, serving as both entertainment and decorative pieces. This musical automaton is not only a display of the technical skill of the craftsmen of the time, but also a reflection of the nostalgia and admiration for the 18th century that prevailed in the interwar period in France.