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Boy Playing a Fife, 1638 (carved wood)
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Boy Playing a Fife, 1638 (carved wood)
XJF441270 Boy Playing a Fife, 1638 (carved wood) by English School, (17th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The elaborately carved staircase at Cromwell House in Highgate, North London, was created during a re-modelling of the house in 1638 and featured a different carved figure from Cromwells brigade on each newel; Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658) gave the house to his daughter, Bridget, and her husband Henry Ireton (1611-1651); Numbering 9 in all it is thought that two more figures, representing Cromwell and Ireton themselves, were destroyed at the Restoration; The figures were stolen in the 1980s and have not been seen since; Cromwell House is now the Ghanain High Commission; ); English, out of copyright
Media ID 22925092
© Bridgeman Images
Cromwell House Cromwellian Brigade English Civil War Fifer Newel Parliamentarian Piper Roundheads Staircase Wooden Figure
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a remarkable piece of history, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship of a carved wooden figure known as "Boy Playing a Fife, 1638". Created by an English School artist in the 17th century, this artwork was originally part of the grand staircase at Cromwell House in Highgate, North London. During a remodeling project in 1638, each newel on the elaborately carved staircase featured a different figure from Oliver Cromwell's brigade. This particular sculpture depicts a young boy playing the fife, adding an element of musicality to the scene. The house itself held great historical significance as it was gifted by Oliver Cromwell to his daughter Bridget and her husband Henry Ireton. Sadly, only nine figures remain today out of an original eleven. It is believed that two figures representing Cromwell and Ireton were destroyed during the Restoration period. Adding to its mystique, these precious sculptures were stolen in the 1980s and have not been recovered since. Now serving as Ghana's High Commission building, Cromwell House stands as a testament to both artistic excellence and political history. This exquisite photograph allows us to appreciate not only the skillful carving techniques but also offers us glimpses into England's turbulent past during the English Civil War era.
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