Cisterspielerin (Maiden Playing the Cittern) | Mechanical Doll, 16th Century    This antique German mechanical doll plays the cittern, turns its head and seems to mince along with tiny steps while in fact running on wheels. Movement conveys the impression of life. The imitation of life is among the ancient dreams of mankind, already reflected in the myths of antiquity. At that period, technology and the arts were still considered to be identical. With the help of mechanisms, artists and artisans tried to imitate Gods creation as if by magic. Androids like this mechanical doll are automatons that are not able to act by themselves. Once started, they can only function on a pre-programmed basis, yet the amazed on-looker is prepared to take the inanimate doll as having magically come to life for as long as the movement lasts.
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