Additional titles
Acrobat-art puppet

Dated
Date of origin: 19th century

Geographical reference
Place of origin: Germany / Leck

Material / technique
Wood, carved, polychromed
Velvet, sewn, embroidered
Lace, sewn
Rhinestone
Hair, knotted
Beads, sewn

Dimensions
Object dimension: 30 x 17 x 4 cm
Weight: 600 g
Puppet volume: 153 x 22 x 12 cm

Acquisition note
Purchase Winter 1978

Creditline
KOLK 17 Figurentheater & Museum, Lübeck

Inventory no.
TF000025

Keywords
Europe Human being Manipulation from the bridge Music-hall Performance by concealed performer

Object description
This figure is a small string marionette representing an acrobat. The marionette wears a blue costume and is connected to a red hoop by threads. It is a so-called transformation or trick marionette from the estate of the Winter family of marionette players from northern Germany. This means that the players were able to perform tricks using the combination of marionette and hoop. The Winter family used different trick puppets for their performances. Variety acts formed a separate part of the program, in which they took place before, between or after the actual marionette performances. (23.10.2024 MP)

Object history
According to the inventory list in the KOLK 17 archive, this marionette was acquired by Fritz Fey junior from a grandson of the Winter family in 1978. The figure was part of a collection of 50 marionettes and is described as an “acrobat-art figure, hanging from a hoop”. Inventory number 78/SF 1604 was noted for the marionette. The estate contains a total of six variety figures. One marionette can do a handstand, one balances on a golden ball, the other performs tricks with a pole. (23.10.2024 MP)