""Ye Lorde Of Misrule," Triptych for the story "Perdita's Christmas"" Lot no. 865
By Francis Xavier Leyendecker (American, 1877-1924)
1901 (Estimated)
Framed: 17 3/8 x 43 1/8
Gouache and Watercolor on Board
Signed Lower Right
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Story illustration for “Perdita’s Christmas” by Richard Le Gallienne for The Saturday Evening Post, published December 7, 1901, page 4.
The narrater centers the story around Perdita, who, captivated by their newly acquired old Surrey house, envisions it as the perfect setting for a traditional "Christmas-card Christmas." Despite it being midsummer, she immediately begins planning a celebration steeped in old English customs, consulting books by Dickens, Irving, and Brand. She attempts to enlist the help of the local villagers for Morris dances and mummery, but their lack of interest and skill proves disheartening. Nevertheless, Perdita enthusiastically prepares a grand feast, distributes gifts of geese and plum puddings, and organizes a dance, even training the village choir.
Christmas Eve arrives, bringing the delightful Uncle Jake, whose entertaining presence charms everyone, especially the children. The evening features carol singing and a Yule log ceremony. Christmas Day dawns with more carols and gift-giving, culminating in Uncle Jake's memorable portrayal of Father Christmas at a children's party. A highlight of the Christmas dinner is a massive, multi-bird pie. While Perdita's hopes for traditional folk dances are somewhat dashed by the guests' preference for modern waltzes, her "Christmas-card Christmas" is largely a success, enhanced by a particularly severe winter that blankets the old house in snow, creating the picturesque scene she had first imagined. As the guests depart, the narrator reflects on the joy of the season and the beauty of the winter landscape.
Titled "Ye Lorde of Misrule" across its central panel, this illustration depicts a figure central to the boisterous traditions of Christmastide in England. The Lord of Misrule, an officer chosen by lot, presided over the lively Feast of Fools. This unique feast day, celebrated in Europe on January 1st during the Middle Ages, involved a playful inversion of social hierarchy, with revelers temporarily exchanging roles and engaging in lighthearted parodies of church rituals and mocking authority figures.
Exhibitions: Allentown Art Museum, At the Edge: Art of the Fantastic (June 3- September 9, 2013)
Framed Dimensions: 17 3/8 x 43 1/8 in.
Center Image Dimensions: 8 1/8 x 22 3/4
Side Image Dimensions, Each: 8 1/8 x 3 5/8 in.
Explore related art collections: 1900s / Historical / Military/Soldiers / Men / $20,000 - $50,000 / Magazine Stories / Christmas/ Holiday / Newly Researched
See all original artwork by Francis Xavier Leyendecker
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Born in Germany, Francis Xavier Leyendecker was very competent, but was always overshadowed by his older brother. Francis's work was more sensitive, and highly detailed, but it never matched the assurance and dramatic poster quality of Joseph's. Francis also painted covers for leading publications such as The Saturday Evening Post, Vogue, and notably, Collier's. He later designed stained-glass windows.
The two brothers never married. They worked together in a large studio estate in New Rochelle. The fascinating story of their personal lives is related in Norman Rockwell's book My Adventures of an Illustrator.