Spinning Jenny Automaton

A significant number of prisoners of war models made during the Napoleonic Wars survive. Often they are of ships, but sometimes they represent figures, often operating a small piece of machinery (hence the ‘Spinning Jenny’ reference), and elaborately carved from bone. This example is extremely fine, with all the figures on top able to move, and a polychrome finish. It reflects our human fascination with replicating ourselves in different ways – even in the most adverse circumstances.

A significant number of prisoners of war models made during the Napoleonic Wars survive. Often they are of ships, but sometimes they represent figures, often operating a small piece of machinery (hence the ‘Spinning Jenny’ reference), and elaborately carved from bone. This example is extremely fine, with all the figures on top able to move, and a polychrome finish. It reflects our human fascination with replicating ourselves in different ways – even in the most adverse circumstances.