Girl in Theatrical Costume
Designer
Lambert, Léopold
(French, 1854 - 1935)
Manufacturer
Jumeau & Cie.
(French, 1843 - 1910)
Dateca. 1890
OriginFrance
MediumBisque head, glass eyes, carton, metal, and wood
Dimensions20 in. (50.8 cm)
ClassificationsAutomaton
Credit LineGift of Carolyn K. and Richard F. Barry III
Object number2017.208
Label TextLeopold Lambert, (French, born 1854, maker of automaton; Jumeau, maker of head)
Automaton: Girl in Theatrical Costume
Bisque head, glass eyes, carton, metal, and wood, about 1890
Mark: “Deposé, Tête Jumeau, BTE S.G.D.G.”
Gift of Carolyn K. and Richard F. Barry III
In the early 1870s, the comic ballet Coppélia, (from Greek: κοπελιά, girl) debuted in Paris to much acclaim. Its subject, a doll coming to life, was an opportunity to market mechanical figures along popular theater productions that French makers would not have overlooked. This automaton relates to the comic opera Les cloches de Corneville (The Bells of Corneville). She is wearing a bellflower-like costume with layered petals and holds an elegant lorgnette and a fan with feathers. Its hidden music box includes a song from the comic opera, which was first produced in Paris at the Théàtre des Folies-Dramatiques. The popular show opened on April 19, 1877, running for 408 performances, and also premiered in London and New York.
Status
Not on view
