-
Robin Hood & the Blackbird: a Tale of a Christmas Dinner
Marcus Ward & Co. - Enlarge image
Robin Hood & the Blackbird: a Tale of a Christmas Dinner
- Object:
Greetings card
- Place of origin:
London, England (published)
Belfast, Northern Ireland (published) - Date:
second half 19th century (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Marcus Ward & Co. (publisher)
- Materials and Techniques:
Colour lithograph on paper card
- Museum number:
29324:5
- Gallery location:
Prints & Drawings Study Room, level F, case EDUC, shelf 3
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.'
