French. 1880s. Bisque head, hands. A classic automaton from the golden age of automata (1860-1910) made by Leopold Lambert, one of the great master automata makers of the 19th century. Lambert apprenticed under Gustav Vichy, one of the greatest automata masters of the time. An automaton (pl. automata) is a mechanically moving figure. These figures were typically not made as toys, but rather, were made for society's well-to-do elite to decorate their homes and intrigue children - BUT THEY WERE NOT TO BE TOUCHED! The clothing for Lamberts automata were created with the assistance of his wife, Eugenie, a Parisian tailor. This young girl is dressed in a pleated skirt with full undergarments, rust coloured tailcoat, ornate full hat, red silk shoes and beige socks. In her bisque hands she is carrying a wicker basket suspended by ribbons. Legs are composition. The bisque head is made by French dollmaker, Jumeau, known for creating superior quality, gold medal winning dolls (at the Vienna Exposition 1873) that were internationally sought after as luxury items and status symbols. Lambert used only the best quality items for his creations. The head shows a beautiful face with blue paperweight eyes, daintly feathered brows and eyelashes, closed mouth, pierced ears (with one earring present) and topped with a brown mohair wig. Standing on a green velvet base with a brass key and stop/start button. The basket opens on the top, the head turns and the arms move. An exquisite, intricate and rare piece. Bisque head is marked "Depose Tete Jumeau Bte S.G.D.G. 4" on reverse. Original hand written song label pasted to underside. 20.25" x 8" x 11".

Original clothing shows moderate losses and soiling to dress and other garments. Mechanically functioning.