Guignol puppet theatres were popular forms of entertainment in France during the 19th-century and early 20th-century. This Napoleon III puppet theatre was designed strictly for adults - a regular source of biting political satire and caricature from 1855 onwards. The elaborate giltwood design, hand-painted scenery and woven tapestry make this theatre very valuable. To find one in such good condition, with puppets, their costumes and all the scenery intact is rare. Such a piece would typically sell for around 1,350 euros or about $1,550.
This petite puppet theatre was crafted between 1910-1920. Children's songs, stories and plays were the featured entertainment originating from this particular theatre. The handmade and hand-painted marionnettes also danced for assembled audiences of enthralled children. This small "tabletop" theatre would sell for about 750 euros or $850.
I've seen one puppet show and it was pleasing to the eyes, I don't see those kind of performances here, maybe they do have them but I don't hear about it. Thanks for sharing, this really makes me want to jump a plane to Paris
Posted by: cathy | 11 June 2006 at 01:24
I've seen one puppet show and it was pleasing to the eyes, I don't see those kind of performances here, maybe they do have them but I don't hear about it. Thanks for sharing, this really makes me want to jump a plane to Paris
Posted by: cathy | 11 June 2006 at 01:24
Puppet shows are so much fun. I remember being on a carnival boardwalk decades ago and the puppet show that featured puppy and kitten characters. The puppetmaster was so engaging that he would draw the audience to the edge of little stage. I got to kiss the little grey kitty.
Posted by: Annie | 10 June 2006 at 20:35
interesting photo; nice renderings on the front of the stage/
Posted by: A | 10 June 2006 at 20:29
So nice to tour French antique shops through the eye of your camera lens! Merci!
Posted by: naturegirl | 10 June 2006 at 20:02
Funny, I was going to say:
Ulla would love this...and i see she is already her drooling :)...I like the older ones best, with smaller string puppets.
Guignol theatres are beautiful don't get me wrong, but I often find the oversized faces on the puppets to grumpy looking.
Posted by: Tongue in Cheek | 10 June 2006 at 19:57
I remember puppet shows making a comeback in my childbook. They never had these beautiful theaters back then, though. Gorgeous stuff!
Posted by: boliyou | 10 June 2006 at 19:21
I love these! When I was in Prague I saw a wonderful puppet show and was amazed at the handcarved, wooden ones with the extraordinary & elaborate costumes. I brought one back for Laini and Jim and it hangs in their living room. I never knew they used to be used for political satire. I wish we had more puppet shows for adults now! I'm sure theres a brilliant one to be written now with our current absolutely horrendous administration. Of course they have blundered things so horribly its hard to find the comedy in the tragedy. But thanks so much for this post and the great photos!
Posted by: Alexandra | 10 June 2006 at 19:06
How wonderful, I have a terrible weakness for old puppets and theaters... did you buy this one?
Posted by: Ulla | 10 June 2006 at 18:40
I love puppet theaters. I was in Salzburg in March and was hoping to see a performance with the famous one they have there. Unfortunately it was touring Paris just then :-(. Well, I did go to a Mozert concert instead :-)
Posted by: Britt-Arnhild | 10 June 2006 at 17:39