198 The Illustrated London News – A Country Theatre at Christmas Time Making
A Victorian-era wood engraving depicting an intimate backstage scene at a local theater during the festive season. The illustration is titled "A Country Theatre at Christmas Time Making the Furies Hot." It features an actor in a traditional, polka-dotted Pantomime Clown or Harlequin costume, standing in profile and using a stick to adjust the crowned head of a young girl, who is seated on a bass drum. The child, dressed in a light, princess-like gown, appears to be part of the theatrical performance (the "Furies Hot" likely references a character or scene from the popular Christmas Pantomime tradition). The setting is sparse, showing a wooden structural element and various theatrical props, including musical instruments. The artwork, drawn by J. A. Fitzgerald, was published as a full-page illustration in The Illustrated London News Christmas Number.
The Illustrated London News (founded 1842) was the world's first illustrated weekly news magazine. It was highly influential in the Victorian era and became famous for its wood engravings documenting global and domestic events, society, and literature. Its Christmas Number was a highly anticipated annual publication, often featuring seasonal genre scenes like this one, which captured the dual sides of festive entertainment—both the glamour of the performance and the close-quarters reality of the backstage production. The artist, J. A. Fitzgerald, is likely John Anster Fitzgerald (1832-1906), a noted Victorian painter and illustrator often associated with fantasy and fairy themes.
Artist or Maker:The Illustrated London News
Dimensions: Approximately 40 × 28 cm
Medium: Wood Engraving
Date: 1877 (Published in The Illustrated London News)
Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.
| Estimate | 200 - 300 SEK |
| Buyers Premium (inc. VAT) | 24.4% |
| Hammer Fee (inc. VAT) | 6 SEK |
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