Guignol, Gnafron & the Policeman
Original molds for the Guignol, Gnafron & Gendarme masks from the Guignol series.
Unique original pieces for a singular vintage decoration.
Set of 3 hot-molded, resin-coated aluminum molds.Mounted on a black lacquered metal base.
Mold dimensions : 18 cm wide x 25 cm high, total height approximately 60 cm with base.
Stamped : Yes Provenance : Old stock from the César factory, Saumur, France Weight : 1.9 kg Year of manufacture : 1808 Brand : Maison César
Bring home this one-of-a-kind Pop Culture piece to elevate your home or give the perfect gift to anyone nostalgic for the 60s through the 80s.
The story, the character, the creators, country of origin.
Guignol is a famous glove puppet created in Lyon, France, around 1808 by Laurent Mourguet. Initially conceived for an adult audience during an economic crisis affecting silk workers, this show has become an emblem of Lyon's cultural heritage.
The traditional plot depicts the daily adventures of Guignol, often accompanied by his sidekick Gnafron and his wife Madelon. Their stories serve as a platform to denounce, with humor and derision, the social injustices of the time while commenting on local events.
The character of Guignol represents the typical Lyonnais worker, or canut. Endowed with a lively, mischievous, and impertinent temperament, he is distinguished by his loyalty to the common people and his ability to ridicule authority through his frank speech and sharp repartee. Gnafron was the first character created by Mourguet, even preceding Guignol. A cobbler by trade and a great lover of Beaujolais wine, he is the hero's inseparable companion. A philosophical and jovial character, he often tempers Guignol's enthusiasm with his common sense and folk wisdom. The Gendarme, also known as Flageolet or Chibroc, embodies public authority. Recognizable by his bicorn hat and epaulettes, he is a prime target for Guignol's mockery and blows with his stick. This imposing but often ridiculed figure represents the established order in contrast to the rebellious spirit of the people.
Set of 3 matrices
