Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
thehouseofautomata.com
Animated Picture c.1910, clockwork. Hoyt U.S.A.
The portrait slowly changes expression as the smile dissolves into a sad grimace and then reappears. The clockwork mechanism silently powers the changing expression for a long period. The effect is achieved using multiple interlaced paper overlays with cut outs for the eyes, mouth etc. The overlays are moved in smooth circular arcs around different pivot points using cardboard levers arranged in a parallelogram.
This remarkably effective animation exists in only two models that I have seen, the Black Farmer and the Gibson Girl, presumably two familiar images from the period (c.1900).
The Hoyt living portrait is a rare and expensive antique and potential buyers should note there are reproductions which are difficult to distinguish.
We acknowledged that the c.1910 Black Farmer image can be seen as sensitive in a modern context. It is shown because of its historical and technical importance.
The House of Automata in Forres, Scotland has a Hoyt Living Picture on display which can be seen working. See our website for details.
thehouseofautomata.com
thehouseofautomata.com
Animated Picture c.1910, clockwork. Hoyt U.S.A.
The portrait slowly changes expression as the smile dissolves into a sad grimace and then reappears. The clockwork mechanism silently powers the changing expression for a long period. The effect is achieved using multiple interlaced paper overlays with cut outs for the eyes, mouth etc. The overlays are moved in smooth circular arcs around different pivot points using cardboard levers arranged in a parallelogram.
This remarkably effective animation exists in only two models that I have seen, the Black Farmer and the Gibson Girl, presumably two familiar images from the period (c.1900).
The Hoyt living portrait is a rare and expensive antique and potential buyers should note there are reproductions which are difficult to distinguish.
We acknowledged that the c.1910 Black Farmer image can be seen as sensitive in a modern context. It is shown because of its historical and technical importance.
The House of Automata in Forres, Scotland has a Hoyt Living Picture on display which can be seen working. See our website for details.
thehouseofautomata.com
