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Pair of Antique Face Screens in papier mâché. C. 1860. 

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Description:
Ref:  114fs    http://hygra.com/face/114fs  and http://hygra.com/face/108fs 

Pair of Antique Face Screens in papier mâché. C.1860.  

These screens are painted with Gothic scenes, reflecting the mood of the mid 19th century, when a new sense of patriotism swept away the neoclassical style and introduced the neo-gothic.

Each screen is painted with the interior of a Gothic abbey or church. There are very grand-royal?- tombs with effigies of the departed on the sides. Gothic arches lead to a dark interior. 

On one screen a woman sits near a font, on the other a man sits on a tomb holding his basket. There is definition on both the tiny faces, although one needs a magnifying glass to see the rather gloomy (especially the man’s) expressions.

The pictures  have been inspired by woodcuts  of  George Cattermole which were used to illustrate "The Old Curiosity Shop" by Charles Dickens published in 1841. 

The sad story of the death of "little Nell" caught the Victorian mood to the extent that in   a grave for the fictional Nell was constructed by the verger of the church St. Bartholomews in Tong village, Shropshire.  Americans began coming over to England to visit scenes featured in the book. The tourists recognized the references to Tong church from the book and came to view the supposed 'grave', which of course was not there.  It was an opportunity to great to be missed. See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tong,_Shropshire

By painting over a gold ground, the artist suggests light and darkness in a most skilful way. Sometimes gold leaf, sometimes metallic powders were used to this effect. There is no escaping the sombre mood of the scene.

The neo-gothic style was a specialty of the Wolverhampton makers.

The handles are in turned wood with remnants of gilding.

Origin: UK ;  Circa:1860; Materials: papier mâché and wood


Size:  Screen 23.5 cm wide by 20 cm; handle 20.2 cm long: 8.25 inches wide by 8 inches; handle 8 inches.

Condition:  Please refer to the above photographs for details of condition.

Keywords: Hygra.com, Antique box, Antique Face Screen, fan, fire screen, papier mâché, painting on gold, Gothic, Victorian, tombs, vaults, wake, church, abbey, St. Bartholomews, Charles Dickens, Little Nell, Tong Shropshire, George Cattermole

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All text and images and linked images are © 1999-2015 Antigone Clarke and Joseph O'Kelly. If you require any further information on permitted use, or a licence to republish any material, email us at copyright@hygra.com

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