LATE 17TH/18TH CENTURY

Dummy boards probably originated in the early 17th century and were popular through to the 19th century in both the Netherlands and Britain. Either 'large as life' or smaller examples such as these two depicting young children, such objects have been known since the 19th century as 'picture board dummies'. Dummy-boards had a variety of purposes, but primarily they were used as whimsical decoration in private houses, where they often depicted maid servants or butlers who welcomed the guests. They were also used to disguise empty fireplaces in the summer.
These charming examples depict a young girl and a young boy whose dress dates to circa 1630. The girl is recognisable as a child by the way her bodice fastens at the back, but otherwise she is dressed much like her mother would be. Her companion, the young boy must be under five years old, as he is yet to be ‘breeched’ and is also depicted wearing a skirt, as was typical of the time. The long lock of hair hanging over his shoulders is a ‘love lock’, which could either be plaited or loose and reflects an adult male trend at this date.
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With thanks to Jacqueline Ansell for her assistance with preparing this note.