Large Diorama Automaton In The Style Of F Wurtel, Mid-19th Century

Diorama with automatons, framed and under glass: the richly detailed decor presents on several levels a view of a lively city, with a landscape in the background.
The different elements that make up this automaton are made of wood, sheet metal and painted cardboard

Several mobile scenes animate this landscape: the first makes the characters and riders walk in the main street, as well as the second, on a footbridge, the third makes a train circulate and the last, the telegraph and the guard making his rounds.

Several mechanisms operate the automatons, they are original, except for one part which has been modified to operate on electricity / battery?
Sold without a working guarantee

The glass facade of the front as well as the back of the painting open completely to access the various elements

Diorama in the style of Ferdinand Wurtel, watchmaker established in Paris: from 1840, Wurtel is listed in a commercial almanac and the press recommended to its readers the shop of this watchmaker for all the objects of curiosities and taste that he offered. In 1856, At the M. Delepine Exhibition, he presented talking toys.
These objects, as fragile as they are rare, are difficult to find today, especially in this state of preservation. 0

Mid-19th century.

Height 60cm,
84 x 18.5cm