19th c. Rare MINIATURE Cut Paper Diorama Shadowbox c. 1818
Wooden shadow-box with original decorative embossed paper cover and early bubble glass cover contains an extraordinary object of imagination.
This remarkable little treasure has hung on the wall inside our front door for 60 years. A very rare find, dated 10 Feb 1818, and initialed JC. It embodies everything that mom loved about early needlework. This miniature diorama captures the spirit of 19th c. domestic activity and architecture. Animated with figures, birds, cattle, horse, cat, and dog. Nothing is still on this little domestic stage. A lady brings up well water, a small boy climbs a ladder, and ladies arrive by carriage. The images don't even capture all the details. There is a lady walking five dogs behind the carriage. A spinning wheel and chair sit below the tree. One lady with a parasol. Cat on the roof with smoke rising from the chimney.
.
I recall mom saying it was French, but I'm not certain. I have no reference for where she acquired it.
DATE:
1818
SIZE:
4.25" x 3.75" x 2.25"
CONDITION:
Good. No chips, dings, or wood loss.
Paper trim loss around glass perimeter.
Darkening of glue.