Circa late 20th Century, this wonderful piece was inspired by the work of Roullet et Decamps and Lambert. The clown acrobat rises slowly from standing position with both hands on the swaying ladder. As his body approaches a vertical hand-stand, he raises his left arm with a flourish and appears to transfer all his weight to the right, as he moves away from the ladder into a forty-five degree arc - his legs bend at the knee. The acrobat repeats this motion three times, before returning gracefully to his original position. Constructed with exquisite papier-mache head, lovely glass eyes, striking eye make-up, blonde hair wig, and metal hands, balancing on swaying ladder. The intricate going-barrel movement in the base plays two airs, in sequined red silk clown suit (frayed and torn at arms) with white satin bodice, tan net ruff, pointed shoes and matching hat encircled by emanating brass "rays", ht. raised 27 in. Mechanically – fine. Photo