Lot 47
Attributed to Gustave Vichy, 1870s
Modelled as an elegant lady seated at a piano dressed in a silk and lace gown, with a bisque head, blue glass eyes, blonde mohair hair, carton torso and legs, metal hands, the upright piano in rosewood with ebonized finish borders and sides, bone and ebony spring-tension keys, ormolu three-arm candle holders and side handles, music sheet, and pierced gilt-metal vase with artificial flowers, when wound, the lady moves in a realistic manner, turning and nodding her head as if alternating between reading the sheet music and watching her hands on the keys, her forearms move sideways across the keyboard, and, independently up and down, as her hands approach the keys, music plays throughout
42cm high, the piano 37cm wide, 22cm deep
Estimate $3,000 - $5,000
The doll head with various scuffs and cracks (some possibly restored) and a small associated losses along two cracks
Some losses to paint on her hands
Her garments appear original with various stains, rips, losses
Minor wear, scuffs, scratches and cracks to piano case in places
One repaired leg to piano stool
Appears to function well, however her hands do not press the keys
Musical movement not inspected but appears to play well
The opinions expressed in the condition reports are a guide only and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Prospective buyers are encouraged to seek further information or request additional images during our pre-sale period where Leonard Joel staff are available for advice. Please note condition reports can be amended during the pre-sale period, so we strongly suggest any interested bidders check the published condition report available on the website before the auction commences. Leonard Joel makes no guarantee of the originality of mechanical or applied components. Absence of reference to such modifications does not imply that a lot is free from modifications.
Decorative Arts
AUCTION
Sale: LJ8805
4:00pm - 30 March 2026
Hawthorn
VIEWING
Fri 27 - Sun 29 March, 11am - 5pm
2 Oxley Rd, Hawthorn, VIC
CONTACT
Chiara Curcio
decorativearts@leonardjoel.com.au
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