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Pair of Antique papier mâché Face Screens painted with figures among classical ruins.

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Description:
Ref:   139fs    http://hygra.com/face/139fs 

Pair of Antique papier mâché Face Screens painted with figures among classical ruins.   Circa 1860.

The screens combine the awareness of the classical world, a must for every person with aspirations to erudition, with the romanticism of the 19th century. They were painted as a special commission or with a view to appealing to a patron eager to appear up to date with the intellectual trends of the period.

One of the screens features two couples in what appears to be a forest with ruined temples. Is this also a reference to Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream:  a wood near Athens ? It is night with the moon appearing to shed light on the proceedings.

The ruins on the other screen are Egyptian and the figures of the men look Roman. A reference to Anthony and Cleopatra? Although we have no moon this time, the source of light comes again from the centre of the sky, beautifully reflected both on the water and the highlights on the temple and the light clothing.

Artists used prints and pictures disseminated by artist-travellers to copy foreign and exotic elements. Often these were re-interpreted, or imbued with romanticism and enriched with associations to more accessible culture.

Whoever used these screens was not short of topics of conversation!

The handles are turned, carved and gilded.  

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

Size:  Screen 22.5 cm wide by22.5 cm; handle 23.5 cm long:8.8  inches wide by 8.8  inches; handle 9.1inches.

Keywords: Hygra.com, Antique box, Antique Face Screen, fan, fire screen,  papier mâché,  Midsummer Night’s Dream, Anthony and Cleopatra, classical ruins

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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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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