Automata: Mechanical Wonders of the Nineteenth Century

The history of automata parallels humanity's undiminished and continuous quest to create an object that has the appearance of moving like a human or an animal. The word is derived from the Greek automatos, meaning "self-moving." This exhibition of automata and mechanical tableaux offers a broad range of automaton production in France from the second half of the nineteenth century. They reflect the curiosities and preoccupations of French society at this time—an interest in exotic, foreign places, and a fascination with the clowns, artists, conjurers, musicians, and dancers that inhabited the streets and entertainment halls of Paris. Most are set in motion by a mechanical spring motor and possess a music box. The best makers of the era are represented: Lambert, Phalibois, Tharin, Renou, Roullet & Decamps, and Vichy.

This exhibition was made possible through generous participation by the Morris Museum, Morristown, New Jersey. The museum's Murtogh D. Guinness Collection of Mechanical Musical Instruments and Automata, consisting of 750 objects plus over 4,000 pieces of media, represents one of the most significant collections of its type in the country.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• SFO
• Museum
• Automaton
• Mechanical Engineering
• Robot
• Technology

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