Composition and wood clockwork automaton, 'Jean qui Pleure', made in France about 1860

Figure of a young boy sitting on his desk, unsuccessfully learning to read as his book is upside down. He is wearing an artificial suede cap marked 'DUNCE', with two ears representing those of an ass, a red and white jersey under a yellow silk shirt and a waistcoat with a red silk front and brown silk back, breeches of striped silk and velvet, dark green, pale green and orange; knitted yellow and green striped socks and black lace up boots. The head and body is of composition, with lower arms made of bisque. The hair is made of black mohair and eyes are of brown glass.

When the clockwork mechanism is activated the music plays a slow, mournful tune, the ears move back and forth, the head moves to the left; the right arm moves up and down and the left leg swings.

Given by Capt. M. W. B. Kerr

Given to the Museum in 1970 by Captain M.W.B. Kerr, DSC, RN [70/1816]. On entry to the Museum, the condition was noted as 'mechanically sound. Facial features missing in place [sic] due to the break-up of the composition. Silk shirt sleeves disintegrating'

This figure is of a boy wearing a dunce's cap, trying to learn to read without much success. It is based on a character from an operetta by Offenbach, called Jean qui Pleure and Jeanne qui Rit (John who Cries and Joan who Laughs), which was popular in France in the 19th century. It is not a child's toy, having probably been made in Paris, in about the 1860s for a wealthy adult as an amusement for his guests. The clockwork mechanism is a complex one; when it is activated the boy plays a sad tune, the ears move back and forth, the right arm moves up and down and his left leg swings.

MISC.19-1970