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.

Person of the Week: Mr. Punch

He has been known as many things: a loveable rascal, a rogue, a murderer, an adulterer, an innocent, a father, a husband, an abuser, a friend and foe of animals, a sausage-maker, an ornery neighbor, a scamp, an imp, a national icon and an international celebrity. He’s Mr. Punch. And, today is his 349th birthday.


No, he’s not technically a person, but he’s an enduring personality who has been repeatedly brought to life by thousands of artists all over the world for centuries. Throughout the past few months, we’ve explored Mr. Punch’s history—from his Italian roots, to his “birth” in England’s Covent Garden to his many cousins worldwide. This plucky puppet has inspired countless literary works (including Punch’s Cousin), a magazine named in his honor, grand works of art and humble folk arts. Interestingly enough, he’s risen above his origins to become something of a symbol of Britain and the people who inhabit it. He gets away with the things that we all wish we could do. He beats the devil! He triumphs over his problems! And, he does it all with a great amount of confidence and humor.

We shouldn’t really consider Mr. Punch to be a role model. Some of his behavior is quite questionable. But, we do have to admire his attitude and we can all adapt some of his unrelenting spirit into our own lives. He’s the best and the worst part of each of us—represented in figures of wood and felt. He encourages us to be the puppeteers of our own lives and to always be prepared to say, “Huzzah, I beat the Devil.”

For his 349 years of entertainment and enlightenment and for becoming more than the wooden-headed hunchback that first appeared in Covent Garden, Mr. Punch is our “Person of the Week.” Or, at the very least, “The Puppet of the Week.”

Happy Birthday, Mr. Punch.

Gifts of Grandeur: Tsar Nicholas II’s Imperial Presentation Box, 1900

Imperial Presentation Box
Made for Tsar Nicholas II, 1900
Carl Blank for K. Hahn Co.
Two-color gold, guilloché enamel,
rose-cut diamonds, and seed pearls.
Queen Mary, by whom given to
King George V
The Royal Collection

This gorgeous box created of two-color gold, guilloché enamel, rose-cut diamonds, and seed pearls appears, at first glance, to be the work of Fabergé, but it isn’t. Crafted in 1900, the box bears the mark of Carl Blank of K. Hahn. Hahn was one Fabergé’s main competitors for imperial commissions and Blank was one of his chief artisans.


Of the 370 Russian Imperial Presentation boxes, 150 were made by Fabergé and 50 were made by Hahn. This box is one of Hahn and Blank’s finest. Within a field of sky-blue enamel, the cipher of Tsar Nicholas II has been set in diamonds and accented by pearls.

One of several items from the Revolution that Queen Mary acquired, she purchased the box from a dealer, recording it in the Royal Collection as an Imperial Presentation Box made for Tsar Nicholas II. Mary of Teck did make one error in her recording of the piece. She attributed the work to Fabergé. She later gave the box to her husband, King George V.

Treat of the Week: Mother’s Day Special

Though my mother is the Queen of Cuisine, every year my father tries his hand at creating a special dinner for Mother’s Day and my mother’s birthday. It must be a daunting task for him, considering the skill and artistry my mother brings to every dish she prepares. However, each year, he outdoes himself and serves up dishes which make for a perfect celebration and give my mother a day off from the kitchen.


This year brought a lovely, puffy cheese soufflé which was a tasty as it was attractive. Rising high above it’s dark blue dish, the soufflé had a wonderful crust and was delightfully creamy. Served with a salad of fresh greens, fruit, nuts and blue cheese, the soufflé was large enough for two servings each, and then some.

The meal was accompanied by a lovely homemade bread. Made from scratch and coated with sesame seeds, this bread was really quite delicious and would have done any baker proud.

The meal concluded with a beautiful lemon meringue pie. Meringue is tricky stuff, but my father managed to make it perfectly. The creamy, lemon filling atop the homemade crust was light and flavorful.

Hats off to my father and thanks for a delightful meal in honor of my mother. For someone who only cooks twice a year, he does a great job.

Punch's Cousin, Chapter 240

“Here, what do you mean that they’re safe?” Mr. Punch said, rushing over to Cecil.


“Look!” Cecil thrust the note into Mr. Punch’s hands.

“Coo, it’s from me chum.” Mr. Punch exclaimed as he began to read. A smile crossed his lips. “Honestly, what would we do without Marjani?” He folded the letter neatly. “Once again, she’s come to our rescue.”

“So, they’re safe and I know that Edward wouldn’t think to look for them in a small flat over a dress shop in the French Quarter.” Cecil sighed contentedly. “Now, we just need to find a way to reunite you with Robert and return the two of you and the boy to England.”

“We’ll figure somethin’ out, I’m sure of it.” Mr. Punch patted Cecil on the back as they headed back toward the parlor.

They paused when they heard a sound behind them. At first, they thought it was the thunder which had brought a nasty storm over their house, but they quickly realized it was a rapid pounding on the back door. Cecil and Punch turned to see Meridian scurry to open the door.

As the door groaned open, they heard a gasp and a scream. “Julian!”

Mr. Punch hurried to help Charles pick up Barbara Allen who had crumpled to a heap outside the door.

“Let’s carry her in,” Mr. Punch said quickly.

“Your Grace,” Charles stammered. “You…you’re alive.”

“Yes.” Mr. Punch smiled. “Very much. Both me and me master.”

“What about the baby?” Charles asked as he lifted Barbara.

“We’re all alive.” Mr. Punch nodded.

“Bring her into the kitchen.” Cecil grunted. “Meridian, can you make some tea?”

“Sure can, Mr. Halifax.” Meridian hurried off.

“What are the two of you doing here?” Cecil asked as Punch and Charles carried Barbara into the kitchen.

“We came to pay our respects to you, Sir.” Charles said. “To you and your missus. Barbara was insistent. She said she didn’t care if she was caught by Mr. Cage. She wanted to apologize to you and offer her condolences. We never suspected that…”

“Quite right.” Cecil muttered.

After she was settled into a wooden chair at the kitchen table, Punch patted Barbara’s face. Her eyes fluttered open and she wept. “Are you a spirit?”

“No.” Punch shook his head. “I’m quite real.”

“How?” Barbara asked.

“Not to worry ‘bout that. Just know that Robert, I and your little Colin are all safe and well.”

“I swear…” Barbara gasped. “I swear I will not squander this second chance.”

Meanwhile behind Edward Cage’s house, Ulrika and Arthur huddled under a tree to shield themselves from the rain as Gerard stood nearby, getting soaked to the bone.

“Come on, then,” Arthur grinned. “You’re glad to see me, aren’t ya?”

“I’m surprised.” Ulrika said.

“I come back to ya.” Arthur winked.

“Don’t you mean you’ve come back to Barbara Allen?”

“No.” Arthur smiled. “It’s you I want.”

“Is it?” Ulrika nodded slowly.

“Maybe it were the funny-smelling root you made me chew, maybe it were your beauty or your wit or your cunning, but you’re the one what was always on my mind,” Arthur lied. “You bewitched me.”

“Have I, really?” Ulrika cooed.

“You know you must have done.” Arthur responded. “Now, I returned to you.”

“I can’t say I’m not glad.” Ulrika laughed. “I intend to put you to good use.”



Did you miss Chapters 1-239? If so, you can read them here.

Goal for the Day: Accept What You Can’t Change

Some days, it seems that nothing goes your way. Perhaps you’ve been struggling to reach a particular goal and it’s “so-close” but, for some reason, you just can’t reach it. Evaluate the situation. Often, there are many factors that are within your power to influence. You should always try all you can to get closer to your goal. However, sometimes circumstances just get in your way.


When that happens, what can you do? You can tear yourself apart with wishes and grief, but that’s not the most productive way to react. A better route is to keep trying, all the while accepting those circumstances that are out of your control. Instead of weighing yourself down with angst and panic, try to find solutions or alternatives and, if all else fails, the old adage really does hold true—“good things come to those who wait.”

No situation is ever truly ideal. But, it’s up to us to find the happiest path on even the rockiest of roads.

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.