Queen Victoria's Christmas Tree
William Corden, the Younger
after James Roberts, 1851 The Royal Collection
We previously looked at a photograph showing Queen Victoria’s tree from the Christmas of 1857. This painting by William Corden, the Younger shows the Queen’s Christmas Tree from 1851. This painting is actually a hand-painted copy of another by James Roberts. Roberts was one of the Queen’s favorite painters and she often employed him to faithfully reproduce interior scenes of the Royal residences.
We can see in this scene that in 1851, the Queen was presented with several important paintings to add to her collection. Those same paintings remain in the Royal Collection and are now available to be viewed by the public.
Another of the treasured “Sugar Plum Nightmares,” this Max Fleischer cartoon from 1936 features his character, “Grampy,” the nutty inventor as he tries to bring some joy to a group of orphans by creating dangerous Christmas gifts for them out of forks, cheese graters and percolating coffee pots.Sure, they may scald themselves, cut their little fingers, swallow small parts and break their necks, but by jiminy, they’re going to have a happy Christmas thanks to Grampy and his craftiness.And, yet, the big question I have is “why does the dog live in a cuckoo clock?”As I’ve said before of 30’s-era cartoons, expect lots of knee-bending and bobbing up and down.And, of course, yes, the song will stick in your head until 2011. Merry Christmas.
Last week’s chapters of Punch’s Cousin brought much excitement as Mr. Punch, Robert and Cecil tried to free Naasir from Iolanthe Evangeline. Iolanthe had sent her unfortunate-looking maid, Mala, to lure Naasir to her lair. Naasir, of course, thinking that his destiny was to die at Iolanthe’s hands, went without question. Iolanthe had already drained the Duchess of Fallbridge of her blood in order to use the precious fluid in some sort of Voodoo sacrifice which she felt would restore her son’s health. All Iolanthe needed was a powerful soul to burn, and she knew that Naasir was the answer.
Taunting Barbara Allen into assisting her, Iolanthe left Barbara to bind Naasir’s hands and to prepare him for being burned. Barbara, showing a rare moment of compassion, tried to free Naasir, but the man would not listen. Meanwhile, Mr. Punch and his companions hurried to Iolanthe’s Bawdy House. They were interrupted along the way by Ulrika Rittenhouse and Arthur. Ulrika desperately wanted to keep “Julian” and Barbara apart being as she had her own wicked plans. They were unsuccessful. As the effects of the drugs Ulrika had given him began to wear off, Arthur revolted against Ulrika, telling her that he was going to be in control from that point forward.
Punch and his friends arrived too late and found that Naasir had been burned. They managed to carry the man out before he was killed, but Naasir was badly injured. Robert wanted to take Naasir back to their borrowed house on Royal Street to tend to the man’s terrible injuries with Marjani’s help. Mr. Punch, however, wanted to stay behind—alone—to try to free The Duchess of Fallbridge. Reluctantly, Robert and Cecil left with Naasir while Mr. Punch went back into Iolanthe’s evil house.
In his efforts to rescue the Duchess, Mr. Punch reacted by instinct when Mala snuck up behind him. He struck the maid with a lamp, knocking her unconscious and feared he’d killed her. Surprisingly, Barbara Allen arrived to try to help liberate her mother. She once again refused Mr. Punch’s urging to come with them. As Mr. Punch carried the Duchess from the room, he was stopped by a wildly angry Iolanthe.
This week, we’ll find out what happens next. We’ll also discover the true motives of Adrienne’s former coworker, Nellie, who appeared last week. Naasir and Marjani grow closer as she tries to help him recover and Marjani is faced with a complicated dilemma when Naasir makes a surprising request from her.
Punch’s Cousin will take a brief Hiatus on December 24, 25 and 26. During that time, if you’ve missed any chapters, you might want to browse the Chapter Archive. There, you’ll find each chapter as well as a brief summary of the first one hundred chapters.
Wars have been fought over religion, freedom and ownership.But, each year, a little battle is waged to see who gets to eat the last of these gorgeous cookies.Cakey butterscotch cookies, flecked with nuts are topped with the creamiest, most delicate of butterscotch frostings—adorned with colored sugar.To say that these cookies “melt in your mouth” is not giving them enough credit.They’re splendid, utterly splendid.This is what angels must taste like (if one were to chew on an angel—don’t think too much about it).I look forward to these cookies every year, and while I’m a quiet, passive man, I’ll fight anyone who tries to take one from me.
On one of our trips to New Orleans, we happened upon a rather colorful gentleman in the French Quarter who spotted Bertie and shouted, “Beam me up, Scotty!”I always think of that, for some reason, when I hang these two ornaments on the Christmas Tree.We encountered many interesting people in New Orleans, many of whom decided to talk with us about Bertie, and, many mistaking him for a Scottie even though he’s not and aside from a basic terrier vibe, has no resemblance to a Scottie whatsoever (being white and all).Still, to our collective family legend was added the mythical tale of Bertie cousin, George, the Scottie.The following Christmas, Bertie and I were given these ornaments—a pair of beautifully sculpted, heavy terriers whom we’ve named “Bertie” and “George.”They remind me of exciting trips taken with my parents and with Bertie and the many more adventures we’ll have.
This was one of the first—if not the first—portrait I ever bought. I found his grim expression and the rather spooky composition to be quite fascinating. When I bought this painting, I wasn’t terribly concerned with signatures and provenance. I was just thrilled to have an antique painting. I don’t know who he is, who painted him, where he comes from, or anything, really, about him. But, still, he’s a nice looking, sour-faced gentleman, and I like him.
I’d guess this was painted between 1870 and the late 1890’s. It’s got some spots where it has been repaired over time, but that doesn’t really bother me. The face is sensitively painted with well-rendered eyes peering out from above his bushy beard.
The fact that I know very little about him is somewhat appealing. He hangs in my study, looking over my shoulder while I type for ten hours a day. He’s now known as “The Study Guy.” If he had any other name, he’s not telling.
It’s hard to believe that it’s Christmas week. Once again, the year has gone quickly. In light of the holiday, Stalking the Belle Époque will take a little break from the regular schedule. Punch’s Cousin will be one a brief hiatus on Friday and Saturday and the usual postings to STBE will be interrupted on Sunday as well for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day respectively.
Of course, through Thursday, we’ll continue our journey through the beauty of the world with visits to London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral, a dash through the art collections of the world’s niftiest museums and our usual exploration of The Royal Collection as we examine some outstanding paintings, clocks, jewelry and sculptures. We’ll also take a look at some of the fun and festive holiday films which have become part of our culture.
We’ll continue with our special holiday feature of the “Cookie of the Day,” and I’ll show you some of my collection of Christmas ornaments. If you’ve got holiday cookies and decoration that you love, I’d be thrilled to see them. If you’d like to have your holiday cheer featured on Stalking the Belle Époque, send me a photo via email!
Once again, I’d like to thank all of you for your contributions to Stalking the Belle Époque. Your interaction, comments and visits mean a lot to me. Here’s hoping all of you have a great week!
