The unique early 20th century folk art half size skeleton, at almost four feet high, having jointed limbs, the whole hand-crafted in gesso and papier-mâché over softwood, for theatrical (puppet), medical or artistic purposes and terminating in a painted knop hanging finial, surviving from the first quarter of twentieth century England.
Unknown.
In a somewhat Dia de Muertos calavera style, it is hard to say whether this was originally made for artistic use or medical teaching or it may have been a theatrical prop. If for medical purposed it would be designed to mimic the human body exactly and would have been part of the puzzle of medical study of old. Real human remains were largely used for osteological, not artistic use. It is more likely that he was used for theatrical purposes and/or as well as artistic ones. It’s size and scale are similar to examples used by lecturers of artistic anatomy for instance.
However you decide to use and display this chap he proves to be both wonderfully scarce, hugely fun and with endless possibilities…
The skeleton is in good condition overall remaining uncleaned and with a lovely time-worn patina as photographed. There is one repair to a rib to the reverse side. The later knop finial allows it to be hung but he can also be displayed in other obvious ways. There are a few other drilled holes which could point to it being used as a puppet.
By appointment only.
