Spinning Jenny Automaton

Made:
1800-1815 in unknown place

Napoleonic prisoner of war spinning jenny automaton, made of bone, polychrome, with nine figures, c1800-1815

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.

Details

Category:
Human Robotics
Object Number:
2017-191
Materials:
bone, paint, textile and glass
Measurements:
overall; display case (estimate): 305 mm x 270 mm x 172 mm, 2 kg
type:
automaton

Parts

Spinning Jenny Automaton

Spinning Jenny Automaton

Napoleonic prisoner of war spinning jenny automaton, made of bone, polychrome, with nine figures, c1800-1815

Materials:
bone , paint , textile and glass
Object Number:
2017-191/1
type:
automaton
Glass Dome for Spinning Jenny Automaton

Glass Dome for Spinning Jenny Automaton

Glass display dome for Napoleonic prisoner of war spinning jenny automaton, c1800-1815

Materials:
glass
Object Number:
2017-191/2
type:
glass dome