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Dummy Board of a Boy in Costume of the William and Mary Period
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Royal Cornwall Museum
Dummy Board of a Boy in Costume of the William and Mary Period
Wooden painted screen dating from around 1689-1702. Dummy boards were usually placed in empty spaces, such as a staircase or empty fireplace, in large houses. They may have been amusement pieces, created to trick the eye into thinking the painted boards were real people. This kind of painting, known as trompe l oeil, was very popular at the time. The boy is pictured wearing fashion typical of the period including, an open coat, long waistcoat, knee length breeches, stockings, a loosely tied cravat, high-heeled buckled shoes and a hat topped with feathers
Royal Cornwall Museum is the UK's Greatest Museum For Cornish Life & Culture
TRURI : 1400.505.1
Media ID 19217076
© RIC, photographer Mike Searle
Artwork Black Brown Century Child Clothes Clothing Collection Cornwall Cream Early Gold Historic House Museum People Stick White Wood Wooden 18th Buckle Buckles Buttons Companion Companions Curls Curly Eighteenth Illusion Late Neckcloth Scarf Seventeenth Silent
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a remarkable piece of history, the Dummy Board of a Boy in Costume of the William and Mary Period. Dating back to around 1689-1702, this wooden painted screen served as both an amusement piece and a clever illusion for large houses during that era. The artistry behind this trompe l'oeil painting was immensely popular at the time. The boy depicted in the image is dressed impeccably in fashion typical of the period. His attire includes an open coat, long waistcoat, knee-length breeches, stockings, a loosely tied cravat, high-heeled buckled shoes, and a hat adorned with feathers. Every intricate detail from his stick to his scarf and buttons has been meticulously captured. The silent companion stands tall against a backdrop reminiscent of Cornish heritage within the Royal Cornwall Museum's collection. This Dutch-inspired masterpiece transports us back to the 17th century with its historic charm. One cannot help but marvel at how this wooden figure effortlessly deceives our eyes into believing it is indeed flesh and blood. Its presence would have enlivened empty spaces such as staircases or fireplaces within grand houses. Mike Searle's expertly crafted print immortalizes this extraordinary artwork for all to admire beyond its physical confines. It serves as a testament to human creativity throughout different periods in history while preserving cultural treasures like these for generations to come.
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