With plaster-composition head, brown paperweight eyes with articulated lids, dressed hair wig, shapely papier-mâché body with slender waist, crossed legs and articulated breast-plate, holding a fan and flowers (appropriately replaced), in silk costume with lace bodice, choker and wing-collar, the figure's torso containing going-barrel motor and two-air cylinder musical movement, height 24 in. (61 cm), seated on period chair with turned back and rush seat, with pierced Vichy key and "acorn" stop/start, paint restored, a few dampers in need of adjustment. – The lady turns and then inclines her head, lifts the flowers and fans herself gracefully while her eyelids flutter and her breasts rise and fall to simulate breathing. – One of a series of Vichy automata depicting Parisian ladies of the belle époque, the same facial mould was employed for various figures and the movement concealed in the torso, which is articulated to give the illusion of gentle breathing. A very elegant Vichy automaton in good working condition!