Robin Hood & the Blackbird: a Tale of a Christmas Dinner
Greetings Card
second half 19th century (made)
second half 19th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Children are a common feature in Chistmas card illustration because they are readily linked with merriment, innocence and purity--elements of the Christmas spirit. In this image, the children are giving thanks for their Christmas meal.
Some designers and publishers also relied on the association made between depictions of children and the Christ child. His image was often used to accompany blessings and tidings for the coming year. Children on Victorian greeting cards were often cherubic in appearance, with silken curls and rosy cheeks--a traditional representation of the 'ideal child.'
Some designers and publishers also relied on the association made between depictions of children and the Christ child. His image was often used to accompany blessings and tidings for the coming year. Children on Victorian greeting cards were often cherubic in appearance, with silken curls and rosy cheeks--a traditional representation of the 'ideal child.'
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Robin Hood & the Blackbird: a Tale of a Christmas Dinner (series title) |
| Materials and techniques | Colour lithograph on paper card |
| Brief description | Christmas card; Robin Hood & the Blackbird: a Tale of a Christmas Dinner, second half of the nineteenth century. |
| Physical description | This card is the most sober and reflective in the series, representing a contemplative moment before the game is carved. The downcast eyes of the children are a reference to giving thanks in prayer before a meal. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions | Health & Good Cheer/ What matter tho' the feast be small/ The heartier welcome give to all (English; along the upper and lower margins framing the printed image) |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | Children are a common feature in Chistmas card illustration because they are readily linked with merriment, innocence and purity--elements of the Christmas spirit. In this image, the children are giving thanks for their Christmas meal. Some designers and publishers also relied on the association made between depictions of children and the Christ child. His image was often used to accompany blessings and tidings for the coming year. Children on Victorian greeting cards were often cherubic in appearance, with silken curls and rosy cheeks--a traditional representation of the 'ideal child.' |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 29324:5 |
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| Record created | November 21, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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