Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Weather
The Mistletoe Seller, drawn by Foster, 1854. Creator: Edmund Evans
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
The Mistletoe Seller, drawn by Foster, 1854. Creator: Edmund Evans
The Mistletoe Seller, drawn by Foster, 1854. Illustration to a story by Angus B. Reach. There he goes, on the foggy December night, over the crunkling snow, the old Mistletoe-seller, his locks as hoary as the ware he vends. He might have been a Druid himself, he appears so venerable - a Druid heading the procession which carried the mistletoe to the temple, and placed it upon the altar as a sacred plant. A group of boys and girls surround him. The two to the right have bought copiously: one of them has her apron full, and the other a whole branch. It is evident that these young ladies are admirers of the osculum or kiss. A boy appears to be accompanying the old man, if not leading him. Can the Mistletoe-seller be blind? A second glance at his shut eyes shows that this is the sad truth'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 36246191
© The Print Collector/Heritage Images
Apron Birket Foster Birket Foster Myles Blind Bonnet Bonnets Christmas Common Holly Disabilities Disability Disabled Edmund Evans Edmund William Evans Evans Edmund Evans Edmund William Evergreen Foster Birket Foster Miles Foster Myles Birket Holly Ilex Aquifolium Miles Birket Foster Miles Foster Mistletoe Myles Birket Foster Street Seller Street Trader Street Vendor Tradition Typical Viscum Album Visually Impaired
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Mammals
> Muridae
> Ilex
> Arts
> Artists
> F
> Myles Birket Foster
> Arts
> Artists
> W
> William White
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Fashion
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Weather
> Historic
> Historical fashion trends
> Victorian fashion trends
> Historic
> Victorian era fashion
> Special Days
> Christmas
> Dogs
> Special Days
> Christmas
> Holly and Mistletoe
> Special Days
> Christmas
> Related Images
EDITORS COMMENTS
The Mistletoe Seller," a captivating illustration drawn by Foster and published in the "Illustrated London News" in 1854, offers a glimpse into a quintessential Victorian Christmas scene. The image, created by Edmund Evans, depicts an elderly man selling mistletoe on a foggy December night. His long, hoary locks and venerable appearance suggest a connection to ancient Druidic traditions, as he presides over a group of children eagerly purchasing the sacred plant. Two girls, their aprons brimming with mistletoe, are shown in the foreground, their faces flushed with excitement as they exchange glances and anticipate the "osculum," or kiss, that the plant symbolizes. A boy, perhaps leading the old man, accompanies them. A closer look reveals that the Mistletoe Seller is blind, adding a poignant layer to the scene. The illustration, reminiscent of the photographs of the era, captures the essence of 19th-century British fashion. The children are dressed in various styles of clothing, including bonnets and heavy coats, while the Mistletoe Seller dons a simple, worn coat and a hat. The scene is set against a backdrop of evergreen foliage, with a dog and its puppy playfully peeking out from behind the old man. The Mistletoe Seller, a cherished symbol of the holiday season, continues to evoke the spirit of Christmas past, inviting us to reflect on the traditions and joys of this magical time of year.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
