Happy holidays from the Hammer Museum! Over the next two weeks, we will be sharing holiday-themed artworks for the #HammerHolidays.
George Cruikshank’s At home in the Nursery; or, the Masters and Misses Two-shows Christmas Party, is a chaotic behind-the-scenes depiction of a nursery at Christmas time. One boy is on a rocking horse, while others are on top of a chest of drawers playing with swords. A young girl is on a make-believe sleigh.
What would you hear if you were in this room? A woman holds a baby in the air who seems to be squealing. Children are blowing into small horns, and one boy has a drum around his neck. The boy on the rocking horse seems to be giving a proclamation.
This vibrant, loud, joyful, and hectic scene captures the mood of the holidays. Through the chaos, there is still love, joy, fun and celebration. What festivities are you planning for this holiday season?
George Cruikshank, At Home in the Nursery: or, The Masters and Misses Two-Shoes Christmas Party, January 3, 1826. Etching with hand coloring. Plate: 8 5/8 x 10 9/16 in. (21.9 x 26.8 cm) Sheet: 9 15/16 x 13 11/16 in. (25.2 x 34.8 cm). Collection UCLA Grunwald Center for the Graphic Arts, Hammer Museum.