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When a Russian academic working in conjunction with History of design departments in Sweden and Australia needed three-dimensional source material on the history of eighteenth and nineteenth century dandies, she knew where to come! Amongst other things we showed her this figurine. It's a fine example of a dandy in all his exaggerated bodily pose, not entirely comfortable we suspect ...and almost contorted. To see the complete way his body is twisted you'll have to visit the museum to see the object itself. He moves his whole body around in a self-conscious manner to follow the direction of his hand-held quizzing glass. This was no way to obtain good clear vision but in a Society where appearance and mode of stance and behaviour meant more, this was the way to deport yourself.
The statuette was produced at an unknown date in the 19th century (between 1838 and 1885) and is marked on the socle as being by the noted workshop Maison Alphonse Giroux. Founded by Francois Simon Alphonse Giroux in 1799 this business began as cabinetmakers to the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Paris. One of Francois' two sons was Alphonse Gustave Giroux who took over the business in 1838 and produced all manner of ornate objects d’art for various members of European royalty. Giroux received a silver medal at the 1839 Exposition des l’Industrie Francaise and produced pieces for the World Exposition of 1855. We might also note that Maison Giroux is credited with having produced the first commercial camera and many daguerrotype portraits under the direction of Monsieur Daguerre (a family relation of Giroux) himself. In 1867 the company was taken over by Duvinage and Harinkouck before ceasing trading in 1885.
The statuette, which stands about 22cm high, is also associated with the name Gaillemon. Is that a maker's name? We'd love to find out as it might help assign a more precise date to our foppish friend. We'll pass any information on to our international enquirers.