Cleaving to the Cross

Printed in England, this Raphael Tuck & Sons "Oilette" is labeled "Easter Postcara (sic) No. 23." Used as an Easter greeting card, it is addressed to a Mrs. Adam Brown in Durham Canada. The addresser is A & GW Brown. The message reads: "How have you folks stood the winter, all well I hope. We are well. Hope you may have a fine time Easter..." The post mark over the green one cent stamp is obscured. On the face of the card at the bottom is hand written, "A Joyful Easter." The word "Faith" is also clearly visible. I think it was the name of the art compostion.

Today these turn of the century images seem melodramatic but I like the drama and tension of this one anyway. Labeled "Faith" on the bottom left, it was meant to illustrate the struggles of the faithful against the storms and tides of life. While clinging to the rock solid cross, this bride of Christ keeps her eye on the heavenly light above. In classic art the cross symbolizes suffering. To Christians, the cross is a symbol pregnant with meaning: of Jesus' suffering, of a believer's struggle and suffering in this life and the bridge of redemption over earthly sin to perfection in heaven.

Merry Vintage Christmas

This embossed "Raphael Tuck & Sons "Wonderful White Winter"" Post Card is labeled number 513 in a series. The reverse side also says "ART PUBLISHERS TO THEIR MAJESTIES THE KING AND QUEEN," and has an emblem with a lion and a unicorn. The card is divided for address and message, so it probably dates to the Divided Back Era (March 1, 1907 to 1915), sometimes known as the Golden Age of post cards. (I will add an image of the back when I get my scanner operational.)




I love this card. It reminds me of an old water color painting. Though it belongs to series called, "Wonderful White Winter," their isn't one little drift of white snow. The scene seems to be in either a warm climate or a different season. My guess is a different season altogether in that the trees are abundant with leaves.


As with many cards in my collection, I do not have a clue where or how this card came into my collection. For all I know it is a Christmas miracle.