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Christmas card, Playing Time
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Christmas card, Playing Time
Christmas card by Robert Dudley, Playing Time (Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter playing with a blindfolded Old Father Time). (4 of 5) Date: circa 1890s
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23076632
© The David Pearson Collection/Mary Evans Picture Library
Brothers Castell Dudley Hourglass Sandy Scythe Subjects Whirligig Wings
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This stunning Victorian-era Christmas card, titled "Playing Time" by Robert Dudley, captures the whimsical and thought-provoking theme of time and the passage of the seasons. The image features four men, dressed in elegant Victorian attire, gathered around Old Father Time as he plays a game of cards. Blindfolded and with wings spread, Old Father Time represents the inexorable flow of time, while the other men, each representing a season, use hourglasses, a scythe, a whirligig, and a sandy beach and sea to symbolize the transience of the seasons. The scene is further enlivened by the presence of two women and two girls, who observe the men from a distance. One woman holds a basket of flowers, while the other woman looks on with a pensive expression. The girls, dressed in simple dresses, add a touch of innocence and curiosity to the scene. The intricate detail and vibrant colors of this card make it a true work of art. The use of natural elements, such as the flowers, the sea, and the sandy beach, adds a sense of harmony and balance to the image. The overall effect is one of nostalgia and wonder, inviting us to reflect on the fleeting nature of time and the importance of cherishing each moment. This beautiful card is believed to have been produced in the late 1890s and is a testament to the artistic talent and creativity of the period. It is a delightful addition to any Christmas card collection and a reminder of the enduring beauty and meaning of the holiday season.
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