A mechanical doll that was created to appear like Russian President Vladimir Putin will soon be auctioned off. The German auction house behind the upcoming sale, Auction Team Breker, is referring to the piece as a Contemporary Musical Automaton Portrait.
A mechanical doll that resembles Russian President Vladimir Putin will soon be auctioned off.
The German auction house behind the upcoming sale, Auction Team Breker, is referring to the piece as a Contemporary Musical Automaton Portrait.
The replica of Putin stands about 20 inches tall. It’s sitting down in an old-fashioned chair in front of a small desk with an antique light resting on top.
In the president’s hand is a quill pen. The doll’s head moves side to side as the pen moves back and forth on a piece of paper on the desk.
That document is the Treaty of Acceptance of the Republic of Crimea Into the Russian Federation, which was signed by the president in March.
The auction house further explains “Putin's right hand moves across the paper with a realistic motion followed by his concentrated gaze until, apparently tired by his efforts, the lamp light dims and his head falls, as though on the verge of sleep.”
When the doll awakens, it starts writing again. Swiss puppet maker Christian Bailly, who is known for his intricate designs, created the mechanical Putin. The doll will be placed on the auction block in the middle of November.
