Guignol Puppet, 19th Century

Emblematic of the city of Lyon, Guignol is a French glove puppet created in Lyon around 1808 by Laurent Mourguet. Guignol is the main character, forming, along with Gnafron and Madelon, the recurring trio in the classic repertoire of plays. The show captures the flavor of the Lyonnais dialect. Originally, the performance was improvised, serving as a kind of local comic strip. Later, the repertoire expanded to include nearly fifty plays. The show is performed in a puppet booth, using the burattino or "glove puppet" technique, whose specific characteristics include particular gestures and disproportionate props, resulting in situational comedy typical of the commedia dell'arte. Our puppet dates from the last quarter of the 19th century; its head and hands are made of papier-mâché, and its eyes of glass, giving it a very lifelike appearance. It is in good condition, except for a tear in one sleeve, probably from a blow exchanged with Gnafron. Height 47 cm.