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"Clown Magicien" (Clown Magician)
Made by Gustave Vichy, Paris, France
c. 1895-1900
23-1/4"h x 9-1/4"w x 7-3/4"d
The Murtogh D. Guinness Collection
Morris Museum |
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In a twist on the game of cat and mouse, when set in motion this entertainer
waves his "magic cloth" in front of his top hat and summons a cat
to appear, followed in turn by a mouse. The illusion is accompanied by music,
played by a musical box mechanism concealed in the pedestal.
At the Universal Exposition of 1878 in Paris, this automaton's maker-Gustave
Vichy-exhibited several pieces. Commented one observer, "Monsieur
Vichy's automata are distinguished by the flexibility and precision of
their gestures as well as by the good taste of their costumes and the
felicitous choice of their accessories."
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