Accession Number

2015.005.003.001a-b

Description

Four hand-painted wax figures with wax trees, flowers and a dog make up a diorama of a pastoral scene. Papier Mache base. Base (a) and dome (b) have come unglued. A little girl sits in a tree while one boy lifts a second girl upwards to the tree; a second little boy plays a pipe while looking at the dog.

Narrative

During the late 19th Century, small parlour domes like this pair were known popularly as wax "Valentine" domes. These fine examples of painted wax figures under glass domes were probably made in England or Germany. They would have made an excellent Christmas present for a child. 

History of Use

unknown

Date

1840 – 1890

Dimensions

16.5 x 14 cm

Material

Wax; Papier mache; Glass; Wood; Paint