Very Large Wooden Carved Painted Mannequin "capipote" (115cm High), Italy 17th Cty

Stunning "Capipote" or articulated mannequin (ankles, knees, shoulders, wrists, neck, eyes and jaws !),

Italy late 17th or early 18th cty
Small life size, very large dimensions ! 115cm high

Several characteristics make this articulated sculpture a special piece:
* its size (1 meter 15cm high),
* the detailed carving of the bust with the marking of the ribs oto perfectly reproduce human anatomy,
* the articulation of his jaw (which I ve never met on this type of mannequins) revealing his finely detailed teeth, and the eyes pivoting using a pendulum certainly counterbalanced by lead weights
*Also hands' fingers are detailed and the toes, the ears,...

The head and bust are wooden carved and painted (imitating complexion). The robust structure allowing movements is iron made and partially apparent. 

Condition: no repainting or restoration; A small lack in the right chin of the face, possible to restore.
The whole is partially covered with its origianl linen canvas.

 Very strong presence for this very rare collection item, which can be ideally integrated into any cabinet of curiosities, or for staging other collection items, ...

This capipote is enigmatically inscribed between the workshop mannequin and these articulated statutes that served in religious processions in Italy on this Louis XIV period (it nevertheless seems more detailed and neat than others known models).


"Since XVth century, the mannequin is a necessary workshop tool for artists who can not have live models to realize their works and progress in the study of anatomical proportions. Always robust, available and obedient, the artist's model took the pose he had been given without complaining, offering the artist, painter, draftsman or sculptor, the freedom and time to dispose of it as he pleased.
Whether they are made of wood, wax, clay or fabric with a metal frame, small or human-sized, the artist's model had its glory at different times of history. It was recommended in art schools to teach students to draw proportions and drapery because it was possible to dress the mannequins. Articulated mannequins were also present in the workshops of greatest masters, from Michelangelo to Cézanne, who used them to create.
Most of the articulated wooden mannequins of the 16th and 17th centuries were from German or Austrian manufactures. These articulated dolls were miniature sculptures of great finesse of execution. Limbs were connected by internal systems of hooks and strings to turned wooden ball joints that allowed them to move individually.
Late 19th century, Paris became the European capital of perfected mannequin. Equipped with internal frame of wood or metal, the artist's mannequin offered a flexibility comparable to that of the human body and an external finish imitating the appearance of muscles and facial features.