Potter & Potter Auctions
Live Auction

Automata: Life & Other Illusions

Sun, Jul 21, 2019 09:30PM EDT
Lot 43

Musical Gymnast with Two Chairs Automaton.

Estimate: $15,000 - $25,000

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$30 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $200
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000
Musical Gymnast with Two Chairs Automaton. Michel Bertrand, 1984, after Vichy?s model. A male gymnast standing on a walnut base with red velvet cover, between white chairs. Figure with a theatrically painted face of tan complexion, glass eyes, black mohair wig, costume consisting of silk and embroidered velvet trousers, sleeves, vest, shirt and cummerbund, and gilt Turkish slippers. As the music of ?Oh du lieber Augustin? begins, the gymnast raises his right arm and nods his head, grasps the right-hand chair and raises it straight out and holds it for a few moments. Lowering the chair, he performs a handstand, lifting both legs from the stage. Last, he repeats the handstand, but this time balances on one arm, and raises a chair while in the same position. Height 33?. Commissioned in 1984 from Bertrand by Jerry and Bunny Steinbaum.