179 - AUTOMATA "The Dinner of Mr and Mrs Baulaies". A display of a…
See original version (French)

Estimate €1,500 - €2,000

Description

AUTOMATA "The Dinner of Mr and Mrs Baulaies". A display of automatons in a shop window depicting a romantic dinner for a couple seated at a table, served by a standing chef/sommelier; all three have ape-like features. Eighteen movements animate the figures (numerous facial expressions and arm gestures) via a longitudinal shaft carrying the control cams. This piece can be linked to the work of Jean-Marie Phalibois’s workshop (1835–1900), in the latter third of the 19th century. Originally, this scene was intended to adorn the top of a parlour organette (a small reed organ with a cylinder). In the 20th century, likely following a malfunction of the instrument, the automaton scene was detached, modified and framed in the fairground style, no doubt to be used in travelling exhibitions of automatons. Dimensions (WxHxD) 580 x 580 x 360 mm The mechanism functions satisfactorily, although it requires some adjustment to the range of motion.

See original version (French)

Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.

About the sale ANGERS: 11am: numismatics, firefighter helmets, walking sticks, Asian art, Islamic art, African art – 1.30pm: Bachelor’s degree – Art & Collections

Auction location

Auction time 06/24/2026 at 10:00 AM

Lot description modified on 06/15/2026 at 10:48 AM

Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House

179 - AUTOMATA "The Dinner of Mr and Mrs Baulaies". A display of a… See original version (French)

179 - AUTOMATA "The Dinner of Mr and Mrs Baulaies". A display of a…
See original version (French)