Late 18th Century, Francois-Pierre Guillois, Life-Size, Carved Wood Lay Figure on Stand, with Brass Articulated Fingers and Steel Joints (French).
 
This rare artist's mannequin is predominantly made of wood of various species including oak, beech and burr walnut, and is built around a clever skeleton of wood peg and ball joints and metal fasteners. This enables the lay figure to be posed in a multitude of ways, to suit the artist. The fingers of the hands are made of brass and articulated, and the distal phalanges including the thumbs are carved. The toes are schematically by a single phalanx. It also includes the original floor stand for posing.
 
CONDITION:
 
Wear commensurate with age. All joints function.
 
PROVENANCE:
 
From the Estate of Blaine Halvorson in Los Angeles, Founder of apparel company, Made Worn. Named Top 30 Under 30 Antiques Collectors by the Museum of Modern Art. Originally purchased from Obsolete, California. 

ABOUT FRANCOIS-PIERRE GUILLOIS:

François-Pierre Guillois (1741 – 1831) was a renowned 18th-century French mechanic and creator recognised for producing highly sophisticated, articulated wooden and iron lay figures (mannequins) used by artists. Active in the late 18th century, his mannequins were distinguished by their advanced anatomical accuracy, allowing for a wide range of motion and detailed poses.

His creations were highly regarded, with examples of his work or pieces in his style appearing in major collections, including the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, and the Musée Bourdelle.