This is a stunning late Georgian, early Victorian artwork! Of course, during the early 19th century painting pictures to add to Friendship Albums was a popular pastime as most people of a certain social standing could paint well (no radio, TV distractions back then). But having sold both album and artworks from these albums over the past 30 years, this trompe l'oeil technique is rare.
Upon research we are excited to have found a similar style and technique in a Friendship Album housed in the Dickens Museum, England. The album was created by Charles Dickens lover, Maria Beadnell. Charles Dickens fell in love with Ms Beadnell in 1830 when he was a mere lad of 18, but as is the way with young love, Maria's parents did not approve of the young journalist and the relationship floundered after a time. However, Dickens's did write four original poems in Maria's album, there were also other additions to the album in prose and artwork by Maria's other friends and male suitors. Now whether this artwork is by Ms Beadnell, or another friend of hers is a matter of conjecture as we have no sure way of validating this, but it is an interesting discovery, nonetheless. Dickens Museum ref: Object number B319
This wonderful antique artwork was painted in England circa 1820 to 1830 period. The scene depicts an open book placed upon several paintings. The books open page has a poem about the Forget Me Not flower:
The little blue forget me not Comes upon friendships gentle plea Loves messenger in every spot Smiling on all remember me
The opposite page a tiny painting of a classically attired child collecting wheat sheaves. The curled paintings underneath depict an exotic topographical location, a Jay bird, an alpine lake landscape. The book and paintings rest upon sheaves of wheat and fuchsia flowers.
The painting is full of hidden symbolism. The forget-me-not flower (Myosotis) was a 19th century favorite in art and poetry, it symbolizes, true love, faithful remembrance, and deep, lasting emotional connection. The Jay bird is known for its intelligence, adaptation to any situation while learning quickly. Of course, the wheat sheath symbolizes, new life, abundance, fertility, and prosperity. In the language of flowers fuchsia flowers symbolize elegance, beauty, and grace. All indicating that this painting was painted by a lover or dedicated to a loved one.
The painting is housed behind glass in its original lemon gilt frame.
Measuring: Frame width 9 ½ inch (24 cm) by height 10 1/8 inch (25.5 cm). Aperture width 7 inch (18 cm) by height 7 ½ inch (19 cm).
Condition: Not perfect. General all over oxidization to the ancient paper (clearly apparent on our images). Vertical staining of paper to right side from old damp English walls. Our camera does make the item appear a shade darker than it is. Please study our many photos as they show the condition.