French Articulated Artist's Hand Model

Reaching for something just out of frame.

French makers produced this articulated hand model in wood in the 20th century. Jointed hands of this sort were commonly used as drawing aids, letting an artist pose the fingers and thumb just so. The palm is open and the fingers are raised in a gentle fan, each with visible hinge joints. A turned wooden wrist sits on a small collar. The wood has aged to a mellow, reddish brown, with wear and small scratches along the knuckles.

About twelve inches tall. Useful for drawing, or for placing a ring or two.