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C. 1800, Francois-pierre Guillois, Life-size, Articulated Lay Figure (French)
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for sale €4,622     $5,017
£3,950
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C. 1800, Francois-pierre Guillois, Life-size, Articulated Lay Figure (French)

19th century
Description

Circa 1800, Very Early and Very Rare, Life-Size, Artist''s Mannequin by Francois-Pierre Guillois, with Brass Articulated Fingers and Steel Joints (French).

This Lay Figure is believed to be a very early model, or even a prototype, by Francois-Pierre Guillois, due to its boxed body and naive construction. The fingers of the hands are articulated and made of brass. Later models by Francois-Pierre Guillois had distal phalanges (finger and thumb tips) made of carved wood.

CONDITION:

Wear commensurate with age. All joints function. Signs of a historic minor repair to right shoulder joint.

PROVENANCE:

From the Estate of renowned antique historian and collector, Eddi Van Auken (1946-2024), in California who acquired it in Paris, France in the 1970''s.

ABOUT FRANCOIS-PIERRE GUILLOIS:

François-Pierre Guillois (1741 – 1831) was a renowned 18th-century French mechanic and creator recognised for producing highly sophisticated, articulated wooden and iron lay figures (mannequins) used by artists. Active in the late 18th century, his mannequins were distinguished by their advanced anatomical accuracy, allowing for a wide range of motion and detailed poses.

His creations were highly regarded, with examples of his work or pieces in his style appearing in major collections, including the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, and the Musée Bourdelle.

COLLECTION:

Buyer must collect, or arrange collection, from Westbury, Wiltshire.

WEBSITE:

For more information or more detailed images, please visit our website:

https://www.WhiteSpaceAntiques.com

Physical Dimensions
Height
155cm (61.02")
Declaration

White Space Antiques has dated this French Articulated Lay Figure to the 1800s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1218626
Description
Circa 1800, Very Early and Very Rare, Life-Size, Artist''s Mannequin by Francois-Pierre Guillois, with Brass Articulated Fingers and Steel Joints (French).
This Lay Figure is believed to be a very early model, or even a prototype, by Francois-Pierre Guillois, due to its boxed body and naive construction.
White Space Antiques

The fingers of the hands are articulated and made of brass. Later models by Francois-Pierre Guillois had distal phalanges (finger and thumb tips) made of carved wood.

fig 1. A carved wooden articulated lay figure shown seated with jointed limbs and brass joint fittings.
fig 1. C. 1800, Francois-pierre Guillois, Life-size, Articulated Lay Figure (French)

CONDITION:

Wear commensurate with age. All joints function. Signs of a historic minor repair to right shoulder joint.

PROVENANCE:

From the Estate of renowned antique historian and collector, Eddi Van Auken (1946-2024), in California who acquired it in Paris, France in the 1970''s.

fig 2. A carved wooden articulated lay figure shown seated with jointed limbs and brass joint fittings.
fig 2. C. 1800, Francois-pierre Guillois, Life-size, Articulated Lay Figure (French)

ABOUT FRANCOIS-PIERRE GUILLOIS:

François-Pierre Guillois (1741 – 1831) was a renowned 18th-century French mechanic and creator recognised for producing highly sophisticated, articulated wooden and iron lay figures (mannequins) used by artists. Active in the late 18th century, his mannequins were distinguished by their advanced anatomical accuracy, allowing for a wide range of motion and detailed poses.

fig 3. A carved wooden articulated lay figure shown seated with jointed limbs and brass joint fittings.
fig 3. C. 1800, Francois-pierre Guillois, Life-size, Articulated Lay Figure (French)

His creations were highly regarded, with examples of his work or pieces in his style appearing in major collections, including the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, and the Musée Bourdelle.

COLLECTION:

Buyer must collect, or arrange collection, from Westbury, Wiltshire.

WEBSITE:

For more information or more detailed images, please visit our website:

https://www.WhiteSpaceAntiques.com

Height
155cm (61.02")
Date of Manufacture

White Space Antiques has dated this French Articulated Lay Figure to the 1800s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1218626
White Space Antiques
White Space Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Feb 2026

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Dealer Profile

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A carved wooden articulated lay figure shown seated with jointed limbs and brass joint fittings.
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Archive I A carved wooden articulated lay figure shown seated with jointed limbs and brass joint fittings.

C. 1800, Francois-pierre Guillois, Life-size, Articulated Lay Figure (french)

Archive II A carved wooden articulated lay figure shown seated with jointed limbs and brass joint fittings. View II
Archive III A carved wooden articulated lay figure shown seated with jointed limbs and brass joint fittings. View III
Archive IV A carved wooden articulated lay figure shown seated with jointed limbs and brass joint fittings. View IV
Archive V A carved wooden articulated lay figure shown seated with jointed limbs and brass joint fittings. View V
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Telephone 07760 835542
Location
Westbury
Wiltshire
United Kingdom

By appointment only.
Verified Since Feb 2026
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Items Sold 19
White Space Antiques
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Location: Westbury, Wiltshire, United Kingdom, , By appointment only.
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For Sale
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A carved wooden articulated lay figure shown seated with jointed limbs and brass joint fittings.
C. 1800, Francois-pierre Guillois, Life-size, Articulated Lay Figure (french)
Ref: SA1218626
A carved wooden articulated lay figure shown seated with jointed limbs and brass joint fittings.
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Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

An articulated lay figure is a jointed wooden human representation used by painters and sculptors since the Renaissance to study body proportions, posing, and drapery folds in the absence of a live model.

These figures were carved from dense hardwoods such as walnut, beech, or boxwood, incorporating brass or iron internal joints, pins, and tension springs to enable articulation and hold dynamic poses.

Authentic period figures display hand-cut joint mechanisms, visible brass or iron connecting pins, natural timber wear around pivot points, aged surface patination, and occasionally stamped maker marks near the torso.

Positioned in an empty corner, on a side console, or within a bookshelf, a lay figure operates as a sculptural element, providing anatomical interest and historical texture alongside modern decorative objects.

Maintain the figure in an environment with stable humidity levels away from direct heat sources to prevent cracking, and apply clear microcrystalline wax periodically using a soft cloth to protect the timber surface.
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