Living clockwork: The entertaining art of automata
Five fantastic mechanical beings come to auction
Five fantastic automata are up for sale at Miller & Miller’s April 13th auction of Advertising, Canadiana & Historic Objects.
Humans have long been fascinated by the idea of merging man and machine. The notion of engineering something that can replicate human thoughts and behaviours is both enchanting and surreal—and as evidenced by recent tech news, entirely achievable. As we witness, perhaps with apprehension, the modern race among tech giants to develop the most lifelike humanoid robot, we might assume this endeavour is unique to our digital era. However, this pursuit traces back centuries to the invention of the automaton—the earliest form of automated being.
The term ‘automata’ (the plural form of ‘automaton’) originates from a Greek word meaning "self-acting, self-willed, or self-moving." Often considered the earliest form of robot, automata are mechanical sculptures capable of mimicking the actions and movements of living beings.
While the exact origins are uncertain, examples can be traced back to ancient Greece, Rome, and China. Ancient automata were characterized by simplistic designs and were typically powered by basic mechanisms such as water, steam, or human-operated levers. It was in the late 17th century, however, when advancements in mechanical clockwork sparked a wave of inspiration among European clockmakers. They observed a remarkable similarity between clockwork mechanisms and the inner workings of the human body, noting how the oscillations, balance, and push-and-pull of clockwork closely mirrored the natural movements and rhythms of living beings. This observation motivated them to combine the precision of clockwork with the artistry of sculpture, giving rise to a new generation of automata.
These advanced automata, often taking the form of humans, animals or mythical creatures, were crafted with remarkable precision and artistry. Their movements were orchestrated by intricate clockwork mechanisms, enabling them to perform a variety of actions, from writing and drawing to playing musical instruments. While designed for entertainment (often built atop music box bases), these automata were not considered toys. They served as high-profile works of art and commanded hefty prices. By the late 1700s, they had gained popularity across Europe. Affluent individuals would purchase them to entertain guests and showcase their wealth. They also began to appear in public displays, such as town squares and fairs, to provide entertainment to the general public.
One of the most famous examples of automata is ‘The Writer,’ created by Swiss clockmaker Pierre Jaquet-Droz in 1774. It features a small boy seated at a desk, with the ability to write any text snippet up to 40 characters long. Equipped with a quill pen, he dips into ink and writes on paper with astonishing precision. ‘The Writer’ is currently housed at the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire of Neuchâtel, Switzerland and is considered to be one of the distant ancestors of the modern computer.
Surviving automata from the 18th and 19th centuries are quite rare and highly sought after by collectors. Due to their intricate and delicate construction, they were highly susceptible to damage or loss over time. Miller & Miller Auctions is pleased to offer five 19th century automata in the upcoming April 13th sale, Advertising, Canadiana & Historic Objects.
Three of the automata included in the sale were created by the renowned French maker, Léopold Lambert (1854-1935). Born into a successful family hotel business, Lambert was expected to continue the family legacy. However, his creative talents emerged early in life, leading him instead to an apprenticeship under the famous automata master Gustav Vichy. Lambert quickly mastered the skill and opened his own workshop in 1886, specializing in mechanical dolls and musical automata. In 1876, Lambert married a Parisian tailor who assisted him by making sketches and sewing clothes for the dolls. His creations became widely popular and were showcased at various high-profile exhibitions, including the World's Fair of 1900.
One of the featured Léopold Lambert automata in the upcoming auction is a mandolinist (lot 299), with its face painted in the style of a jester or clown—a frequent subject in Lambert's work. Crafted circa 1885, this musician has played a very long gig, yet still sits contentedly, strumming his strings while casting slow glances around, perhaps admiring his audience. Constructed from delicate materials including paper mâché and bisque porcelain, it is remarkable that this automaton has survived the test of time.
Other Lambert examples offered in the sale include a smoking boy (lot 300) and a flower seller (lot 301), both crafted in the late 1800s. The smoking boy raises and lowers his cigarette to his mouth. Originally, he could blow smoke, but that mechanism is currently non-functioning. The flower seller girl, in impressive working condition, lifts the lid of her flower basket to showcase her inventory.
Also included in the sale is a fully-functioning bronze bird cage automaton (lot 303) by Blaise Bontems (1814-1893). Bontems was another leading figure in the world of automata, particularly known for his expertise in creating highly realistic song-bird automata. These automata, popularized in the third quarter of the nineteenth century, were praised for the quality and authenticity of their birdsong. They were operated by a mechanism housed in a gilded wooden base, with the bird housed in a brass cage. The example offered in the upcoming sale was crafted pre-1881, yet still chirps and sings as if the birds hatched yesterday.
The sale also features an automaton by French maker Alexander Nicolas Théroude (1807-1883), featuring a "Lady of the Manor" seated at her vanity mirror, primping for the day (lot 302). Unfortunately, her key is missing, but the inner mechanisms are likely operational.
As we continue to venture deeper into this digital age, where the lines between man and machine seem destined to blur beyond recognition, automata remind us of where this journey began. The upcoming sale at Miller & Miller offers collectors a unique opportunity to provide these surviving automata a safe home in the modern world, while preserving the art, history, and human ingenuity that lives and breathes within them.
Story by Tess Malloy
Tess is a freelance writer and history enthusiast who enjoys unearthing interesting stories about remarkable people and objects. Tess has written for The Miller Times for six years.
SALE INFORMATION:
Advertising, Canadiana & Historic Objects
Featuring the Greg Hisey Collection
April 13, 2024
9am EST