Sculpture of the Day: Relief of an Unknown Man, 1790-1820

Relief of an Unknown Man
possible Sir Francis Burdett
1790-1820
Polychrome Wax
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Prior to photographs, portraiture was the only way to preserve an image. Whether the portrait was in paint or a three-dimensional sculpture, to sit for such a piece of art was considered a symbol of status and financial comfort.


In the late Eighteenth and Early Nineteenth Centuries, the use of wax as a medium became more popular. Wax portraits—especially in low relief—were often created as a tribute to a person who has passed.

This bas relief wax plaque of an unknown man was created between 1790 and 1820. Some believe that this curly-headed gentleman is Sir Francis Burdett, but there’s little evidence to support that claim. Regardless of his identity, it’s a beautiful portrait. Still brightly colored and crisp after two centuries, this gentleman’s visage continues to charm us long after his body has gone to dust.

Object of the Day: A Drawing by Cecil Aldin, 1912

Another page from the illustrated book, Mac, by Cecil Aldin, this drawing shows Aldin’s terrier hero resting after a day of Scottish mischief.

Aldin was celebrated as one of the early Twentieth Century’s foremost artists of sporting themes. His light, loose style perfectly captured the spirit of his subjects. Here, he’s accurately rendered Mac while using few lines and relying on light and shadow to create a fully formed figure.

Having firsthand experience with the vision of a napping Westie, I have to say that this simple drawing is an effortless image of the subject.

Original copies of the book in its entirety can still be found. A recent reprinting of the book also is available—allowing new generations to enjoy Mac’s antics.

Mastery of Design: A Platinum and Diamond Commemorative Brooch, 1937

"Thunderbolt" Diamond Brooch, 1937
Platinum set with Diamonds
England
The Victoria & Albert Museum

The combination of diamonds and platinum defined the look of the jewelry of the 1930’s. Designers created elegant pieces which not only served as ornaments, but lasting reminders of important events.


This platinum and diamond brooch from 1937 was created to commemorate the breaking of the World Land Speed Record by Captain George Eyston in 1937. Beneath rolling clouds, we see Eyston’s car, Thunderbolt, which Captain Eyston designed, built and drove himself. Powered by two aero engines made by the firm of Rolls-Royce, the car was celebrated not only for its speed, but its beauty.

As a token of their appreciation for the good press from this event, Rolls Royce presented this stunning brooch to Captain Eyston’s wife. It’s mighty nifty. Who says driving fast won’t win you anything?

Object of the Day: A Cup and Saucer from the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II

When we think of Queen Elizabeth II, we tend to think of her as the perfectly-coiffed sovereign with her rigid, white hair and ubiquitous blue handbag. However, sixty years ago, she was a fresh-faced, sporty princess who was known for her beauty and girlish charm.


This commemorative cup and saucer by Royal Art Pottery in Longton, England was produced for the 1953 Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. It’s quite a lovely little set of a delicate bone color with scalloped edges. What’s unusual about this set is the image of Elizabeth II. Instead of the usual formal portrait which is often centered on such items, these bear a less formal likeness of the Queen in an almost candid shot. She looks quite young in her tam o’ shanter and Scottish garb. Images such as this one show Elizabeth as the keen sportswoman that she is and also serve to cast her in her role as Sovereign of Scotland.

I love this cup and saucer because of its contrast with the images of the Queen in her formal court robes. It reminds us that, at heart, she’s a very down-to earth (for a Queen) person.

Object of the Day: “Mac,” by Cecil Aldin, 1912 (Reposted from Thursday, May 12, 2011)

Several years ago, when my Bertie came to live here with me, I purchased a series of loose pages which had been extracted from an antique book. I wasn’t sure what they were, but they featured beautiful drawings of a West Highland White Terrier in the style of Herbert Dicksee. I wasn’t sure who had drawn the images or who had written the book—or even what the book was. But, I loved the images and framed them to hang around the room where Bertie keeps his toys and dishes.


A little terrier-like investigation revealed that the pages were from an 1912 book called Mac with images and text by Cecil Aldin. Published in England, the book is written in Scottish dialect and follows the adventures of “Mac,” a Westie and his other canine friends.

Aldin, a contemporary of Dicksee who drew images of Caesar for the King Edward VII book “Where’s Master?”, was born in Berkshire in 1870—the son of a Kensington home builder. He studied under the well-known illustrators John Leech and Randolph Caldecott and became a member of the Royal Society of British Artists in 1898.

These charming illustrations capture the true spirit of a Westie—curious, stubborn, playful and bright. I appreciate these pictures because they remind me of Bertie. This is one of my favorites. One of Bertie’s games is to steal my shoes—sometimes right off of my feet—and hide them. Shoes, to Bertie, represent the act of my leaving, so they are his natural enemy. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve caught him in this very pose.

Painting of the Day: The Governess, 1844

The Governess
Richard Redgrave, 1844
The Victoria & Albert Museum

When Richard Redgrave exhibited this painting in 1844, he asked that the following quotation accompany the canvas: “She sees no kind domestic visage here'” Redgrave was sympathetic to the lives of governesses. His own sister was a governess and died young. She often told him of the awkwardness of the position—not quite a servant, not quite a member of the family. The role was lonely and ambiguous, but it was also one of the few acceptable means by which a middle class girl might earn a living.


Redgrave painted this scene of a distracted governess holding a letter which seems to have recalled unhappy emotions. The canvas was well-received, but deemed a trifle depressing. When it was purchased, the buyer asked if it couldn’t be “made cheerier.” And, so, Redgrave added the scene of the children in the background, while refusing to alter the countenance of the poor central figure.

Object of the Day: A Delicate Antique Silver Napkin Ring

One of the predominant styles of the mid-Victorian era was a resurgence of Rococo ideals, focusing on asymmetrical nature-inspired designs and curving lines. This antique silver napkin ring from England shows how the Rococo Revival developed into a distinctly French-inspired style which showcased florid edges against the polished surfaces of oblong silhouettes.


While we pull out the napkin rings on special occasions, they previously enjoyed a more active life of daily use in middle and upper class households where adhering to basic formalities was part of the family pride.

Using a set of napkin rings and cloth napkins is a great way to elevate even the simplest meal and make you feel special on the most mundane of days.