Child’s rocking cradle, Europe, 1500-1650
Click the thumbnails to enlarge
Richly illustrated biblical scenes adorn this rocking cradle. It was almost certainly created for a wealthy or important infant. The initials H. D. are presumably the child’s. They are carved out of the base and also painted into a shield at the head end of the crib. The cradle is made of wood and is ornately carved with foliage and birds. It also features angels on the foot end overlooking the child. A biblical scene is painted on each of the four faces. One shows Saul expelling David. The others are possibly scenes from King David’s reign. At best, most infants had simple wooden cribs. This child was lucky enough or wealthy enough to have a custom-carved deluxe model.
Object number:
A97341
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: childcare
The caring for or supervising of a child or children.
Glossary: cradle
No description.