Sunday, July 29, 2012

Object of the Day: An Antique Trade Card—The Children of the Grass

Click image to enlarge.





Another from the genre of monochromatic children on a metallic-ink background, this trade card would have been available for selection from a catalog and could have been printed on the reverse with a business’ information.

As I’ve pointed out before, this type of card (usually printed in red on gold or blue on silver) typically featured scenes of children engaged in some sort of sporting activity, and almost always in the process of being fatally wounded in the process.

Here, they’re more so just spooky than in danger. This group of boys has a sort of “Lord of the Flies Meets Children of the Corn” vibe. Wading through tall grass, they’re being swallowed up in the weeds as they rip foliage from the country side to wear, presumably, as hats. Are they about to attack some unsuspecting cow or amorous couple? Are they playing soldier? Are they trying to lose Tiny Tim there in the back? Who knows? What is clear, however, is that they’re all utterly mad. Our Victorian forebears had very interesting senses of humor.

4 comments:

Dashwood said...

Joseph

For some reason you haven't asked for captions on this card and none of the dear people who usually comment must be suspecting that this card holds some tender meaning for you. But you shall have a caption anyway!

The five children of Thumbelina, having learned they are the illegitimate offspring of a leprachaun set out to thrash him with his own sheleighly and take his pot of gold. Led by the oldest, Mortimer, they slog through the grass, grabbing leaves for their warrior hats. That is, except for Cholly who wears a pot on his head in recognition of a "special" weed he's found on his own.

Imagine their shock, surprise and dismay when they confront the leprechaun and learn that he is Ryan Seacrest.

Joseph Crisalli said...

That is the most sensible explanation for Seacrest I've ever heard.

Darcy said...

This is a little known fact. These children are members of a little known Victorian Academy where the children were taught to be brats. Their ancestors are still with us today.You know them when you see them. They're the ones who kick the back of your seat when you're on an airplane ,and run throught the supermarket screaming and throwing food.
At the time there was also another academy. This one was for angry grandpas and grandmas. You know them too. They're the ones who say "get out of my yard" and " you threw the ball in my yard and now it's mine!"
To quote Sonny Bono "and the beat goes on."

Joseph Crisalli said...

It's also where the Dark Lady laughed and danced and lit the candles one by one...danced to her gypsy music 'till the day was done.

It's also where the Carousel Man was trained.