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Frank Xavier Leyendecker
“Ye Lorde of Misrule” Triptych for the story “Perdita’s Christmas”

1901

About the Item

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 spirited inversion of church hierarchy, with clergy members engaging in lighthearted parodies of ecclesiastical rituals and even temporarily exchanging roles. Medium: Gouache and Watercolor on Board Signature: Signed Lower Right Exhibitions: Allentown Art Museum, At the Edge: Art of the Fantastic (June 3- September 9, 2013)

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