Guignol Puppet Theater In Painted And Gilded Wood – Neoclassical Decor – Late 19th / Early 20th Century

A charming Guignol puppet theater crafted from carved, painted, and partially gilded wood, featuring neoclassical-inspired architecture with a curved pediment, foliate consoles, and applied medallions.

The entablature bears the inscription "GUIGNOL" on a red background framed by gilt decoration. The stage is framed by a braided frieze and a painted valance simulating a theater curtain. The backdrop is adorned with a lithograph depicting an ancient landscape with a classical temple—the Parthenon in Athens—while the lower section features a polychrome printed scene representing characters from the commedia dell'arte in a garden.
The Parthenon backdrop is interchangeable, allowing for changes to the stage scenery.

The set includes three glove puppets:
Guignol in a yellow costume,
Gnafron (or Pierrot, depending on the interpretation),
and a devil-headed/grotesque figure.

French work, likely handcrafted or semi-industrially produced for children's theater or fairground entertainment.

Date 19th – early 20th century (circa 1890-1910). Painted and gilded wood, glued printed elements, carved wooden and fabric puppets. Good overall condition.

Wear and minor losses to the polychromy and gilding, normal for a used entertainment item. Puppets show signs of wear.

Dimensions:
70 cm high, 36 cm wide.

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