An old fashioned Santa Claus/Father Christmas. . .

An interesting Victorian (or Edwardian?) example of Father Christmas/Santa Claus in blue robes with brown fur trim.

While I don't collect vintage Christmas cards myself, I am fascinated by those that portray the Big Man in garb that we just don't see anymore. Now, of course, Santa Claus and Father Christmas seem to be dressed universally in red with white fur trim, but it wasn't always so. The time was, when he wore green, purple, and blue robes, among other colors, and sometimes looked more like a bishop with a sceptre and mitre cap, which makes sense given that our modern Santa Claus has his origins, at least in part, in the historic and religious figure of Saint Nicholas. That lengthy, convoluted sentence is really just a round about way of presenting today's seasonal image, something that has become a tradition every December here on the Grand Duchy of Stollen blog as the Advent season begins and Christmas approaches. Enjoy!

Comments

Bluebear Jeff said…

Ah, yes. Thank you, sir.

-- Jeff

11:57 AM

Ken said…

Coca-Cola was instrumental in establishing the red-clad version of Santa Claus.

4:46 PM

The 18th century? What's the Fascination?

Hessian musketeers by All the King's Men Toy Soldiers of Snellville, Georgia, U.S.A. Just a quick post post today, but I thought the above question might be interesting food for thought. Obviously, there is an array of possible periods, theaters, and conflicts that might catch our eyes. But what is it about the era 1700-1799 -- either real, or imagined? Is it the commanders and politics? The fairly straightforward tactics? The myriad of uniforms and flags? The variety and scope of the conflicts? The patchwork of various and sundry petty states, (at least in Central Europe)? I'm very interested to learn your thoughts. Don't be a lurker! Please leave a comment -- or even two or three. Have a nice day everyone!

An Early July Hussar Update. . .

Marginally neater in appearance with green bases, girths, and ivory horse markings added, but I need to neaten up some hooves now before moving onto the rest of the tack. W here in the world did June go? While I still ponder the answer to that question, how about a quick painting update on the first batch of 14 Minden Austrian hussars and Nadasdy? Good. I'm glad we are of a like mind. Still on the sloppy side, but I've managed to move things along, painting the green bases, white (ivory) horse markings, and beginning the miles and miles of tack adorning the various horses. I always like to begin with the girths spanning the horses' ribs which helped hold the saddles in place. Even with the figures mounted individually on temporary painting bases, these can be kind of tricky to access, but there we are. I've also used various Army Painter washes (Mid-Brown and Strong Tone) as well as their Speed Paint (Grim Black) to make the manes and tails of the horses a bit m...

And a few more photos. . .

Ok, here are a few of the 2nd Musketeer regiment in process during late-July and August. Enjoy!

The Grand Duchy of Stollen

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