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Queen Anne wax and paper figure

Panel
1705-1710 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Panel of modelled wax and curled paper, on a paper ground, with gilt and coloured detail. In a scene simulating a woman actor taking a 'curtain' at the end of a play, the standing figure of Queen Anne is crowned and wearing royal robes, holding an orb and sceptre. On the far side, below a curtain of flowered, azure fabric, half-drawn by tassels across the upper corner of a classical column, representing the audience, there is a balustered balcony of a theatre box.
On the left side is part of a classical column, shown proportionately larger. In the centre, on the front of the boards sloping upwards, the figure of the Queen is attired in a bodice of crimson and gold with ermine trimmings and lace ruffles, with a gold skirt. Below is a crimson mantle, lined in ermine, with tassels and over sleeves. She holds the orb in her left hand and the sceptre in her right.
On the scrolled and gilt backcloth behind the figure is a flowered and gilt oval frame, showing two women at a spinning wheel. This model is considered to have been made for a shop of the name 'The Spinning Wheel'.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleQueen Anne wax and paper figure (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Wax and paper
Brief description
Panel of modelled wax and curled paper, depicting the figure of Queen Anne on a theatrical stage. English, ca. 1705-10.
Physical description
Panel of modelled wax and curled paper, on a paper ground, with gilt and coloured detail. In a scene simulating a woman actor taking a 'curtain' at the end of a play, the standing figure of Queen Anne is crowned and wearing royal robes, holding an orb and sceptre. On the far side, below a curtain of flowered, azure fabric, half-drawn by tassels across the upper corner of a classical column, representing the audience, there is a balustered balcony of a theatre box.
On the left side is part of a classical column, shown proportionately larger. In the centre, on the front of the boards sloping upwards, the figure of the Queen is attired in a bodice of crimson and gold with ermine trimmings and lace ruffles, with a gold skirt. Below is a crimson mantle, lined in ermine, with tassels and over sleeves. She holds the orb in her left hand and the sceptre in her right.
On the scrolled and gilt backcloth behind the figure is a flowered and gilt oval frame, showing two women at a spinning wheel. This model is considered to have been made for a shop of the name 'The Spinning Wheel'.
Dimensions
  • Frame height: 53.5cm
  • Frame width: 43cm
  • Frame depth: 9.8cm
From registers (sight measure) 19 x 14 1/2 x 3"
Credit line
Given in memory of Mr and Mrs Peter Abel Cruden by their sons, S.S. and W.V. Cruden
Object history
Given in memory of Mr and Mrs Peter Abel Cruden by their sons, S.S. and W.V. Cruden per Dr W.V.Cruden, Hove (RF 55/4064)
condition: "Frame black on acceptance. Paper-work and wax excellent condition."

This model was probably made for a toy shop or turner's shop, 'The Spinning Wheel', as part of the celebrations in London of the Act of Union with Scotland, to which royal assent was given on 6th June 1706/7, 'in a speech of excellent taste and feeling'. Bryant Lillywhite 'London Signs' (1972) gives a fairly comprehensive listing of London shop signs. However, there is no trace of a shop called 'The Spinning Wheel' at the date.
Subject depicted
Collection
Accession number
W.25-1955

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
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