Musical automaton "Violinist"
Musical automaton "Violinist"
France, Bellegarde-sur-Valserine
Circa 1975
Georges Camus
Wood, cardboard, fabric, porcelain, metal, suede, paper; joinery, mechanical work, painting, sewing
35.5 x 22.5 x 23 cm
On the labels affixed to the underside of the base: “Automate créé par CAMUS” (Automaton created by CAMUS), “Le Pierrot Musical / 9, rue Centrale CH – 1450 Sainte-Croix / E-Mail: pierrotmusical@bluewin.ch”.Handwritten inscription: “CAMUS FAIT MAIN” (CAMUS HANDMADE / CAMUS HANDCRAFTED)
The automaton is designed as a figure of a musician mounted on a rectangular wooden base standing on four legs.
The control cam mechanism and the musical movement, featuring a cylinder, a steel comb, and a spring-driven motor, are housed within the base. A winding key is located on the top panel, and an on/off switch button is positioned on the left side.
When the mechanism is activated, a melody plays as the violinist mimics playing the violin; he lowers and raises his left hand holding the violin, while the bow in his right hand moves across the strings. At the same time, he turns his head from side to side, raises and lowers his left leg, and the small bird figurines rotate.
1393/ММП