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Fogg Art Museum Scrapbook, May 1973-March 1978

ARCH.2003.39, Rendition: 806694

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The image appears to be a photograph of a newspaper clipping from the Harvard Gazette dated December 5, 1975. The clipping is titled "The Compleat Cookie: From Confection to Coats of Arms at Busch-Reisinger" and discusses an exhibition at the Busch-Reisinger Museum titled "The Edible Mass Medium." The article delves into the historical and cultural significance of cookies, particularly in Northern Europe, from the late Middle Ages and Baroque period. It details how cookies were used for various purposes, including religious holidays, personal portraits, and as symbols of nobility, as well as their role in family gatherings. The article also mentions the intricate designs of wooden cookie molds, which were often carved by bakers and goldsmiths, and the different types of wood used based on the region.

The clipping includes two black-and-white illustrations:

  1. A detailed engraving of a religious icon, possibly a Madonna and Child, with ornate attire and a halo, surrounded by decorative motifs.
  2. A carved wooden figure, seemingly a saint, possibly St. Nicholas, dressed in ecclesiastical robes, holding a staff. The figure is flanked by two children, one on each side.

The text accompanying the illustrations provides additional context and information about the exhibition, including the location of the museum where the exhibit was held and a brief description of the Madonna and Child engraving. The article also mentions that replicas of the molds will be available for sale.

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This image is a scanned article from the Harvard Gazette dated December 5, 1975. The article is titled "The Compleat Cookie: From Confection To Coats of Arms at Busch-Reisinger" and discusses an exhibition at the Busch-Reisinger Museum titled "The Edible Mass Medium," which features 130 wooden cookie molds from the late Middle Ages and Baroque period. The article details the social uses of picture cookies during that era, such as commemorating religious holidays, weddings, and even serving as symbols of nobility. It also mentions the exhibition's reflection on the cultural history of the Netherlands, southern Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.

On the right side of the article, there is a photograph of a cookie mold depicting the "Madonna in Glory" (fruitwood; Austrian or South German; ca. 1650-1700). The mold is described as looking great as a wall plaque but is even better for making cookies. The Madonna and 29 other "Traditional European Cookie Molds" are on display at the Busch-Reisinger through January 17.

At the bottom of the article, there is another photograph of a cookie mold depicting St. Nicholas flanked by a boy and a girl (Austrian or German; 18th century). The article discusses the historical and cultural significance of these cookie molds and their role in various aspects of life during the late Middle Ages and Baroque period.

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The image is a page from a magazine or journal, dated December 5, 1975, titled "Harvard Gazette." The page features an article titled "The Compleat Cookie: From Confection To Coats of Arms at Busch-Reisinger." The article discusses an exhibition of cookie molds at the Busch-Reisinger Museum, focusing on their historical and cultural significance.

The page includes two photographs. The larger photograph on the right depicts a historical cookie mold with intricate designs, showcasing the craftsmanship and artistic value of these objects. The mold features detailed engravings, including religious and mythological figures, as well as heraldic symbols. The text describes the mold as being made in Glory (fruitwood) and dates it to the period of 1650-1700. It also mentions that the mold is part of an exhibition at the museum.

The smaller photograph on the left shows a group of cookie molds displayed in a museum setting. These molds are arranged in a case, with labels providing information about each piece. The molds exhibit a variety of designs, including religious iconography, coats of arms, and scenes from daily life. The text explains that these molds were used to create cookies for special occasions and were often given as gifts or used in religious ceremonies.

The article provides a detailed description of the exhibition, highlighting the social and cultural uses of cookies in Europe from the Middle Ages to the modern period. It mentions that cookies were baked, decorated, and consumed to commemorate religious holidays, show forth an emperor’s portrait, or serve as a symbol of nobility. The text also discusses the materials and techniques used in creating these molds, as well as their role in conveying messages of love, courtship, and political propaganda.

The article is authored by Anneliese Harding, who organized the exhibition at the Institute of Boston. The text is informative and descriptive, providing historical context and insights into the significance of these cookie molds. The layout of the page is clean and organized, with the title and date at the top, followed by the article text and photographs. The photographs are well-placed to complement the text, offering visual examples of the cookie molds discussed in the article.

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The image is a page from a magazine or newspaper featuring an article about a cookie exhibit at the Busch-Reisinger Museum in Boston. The article discusses the history and cultural significance of cookies, particularly in northern Europe, and how they were used for various purposes beyond just eating. The exhibit, titled "The Edible Mass-Medieval Museum," featured 150 wooden cookie molds from the late Middle Ages and Baroque period, depicting social uses of picture cookies, including weddings, baptisms, and other family gatherings. The article also mentions that the molds were made from a mixture of honey, rose water, and spices, and that they were often used to enhance aphrodisiac and magical powers. The exhibit ran through January 17, 1975, and the museum had a cookie sale on that day as well. The article includes a photograph of a cookie mold depicting St. Nicholas, a popular figure in medieval cookie designs.

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Description of the Image

The image shows a page from the Harvard Gazette dated December 5, 1975, featuring an article titled "The Compleat Cookie: From Confection to Coats of Arms." The article explores the historical, cultural, and symbolic significance of cookies, tracing their evolution from ancient times to modern uses.

Main Content:

The article is structured as a detailed narrative, discussing the role of cookies in various contexts, including:

  • Historical and Cultural Significance: The article highlights how cookies have been used since ancient times, such as in Mesopotamia, Greece, and Egypt, where they were made from simple clay molds. It also mentions their use in medieval monasteries and their later adoption by European bakers.
  • Symbolism and Representation: Cookies are described as symbols of fertility, virtue, and even power. For instance, they were used in medieval times to represent a husband’s love for his wife, with specific designs indicating romantic or familial bonds.
  • Political and Social Uses: The article discusses how cookies were used in political contexts, such as the 1687 distribution of 4,000 gingerbread cookies by the German Emperor Frederick III to depict his ideal subjects. It also mentions the use of cookies as political propaganda and as symbols of national identity.
  • Modern Uses: The article touches on the contemporary use of cookies, including their role in the Busch-Reisinger Museum’s exhibition, where cookie molds from the late Middle Ages and Baroque period are displayed. It also notes the continued relevance of cookies in modern culture, such as their use in advertising and as collectible items.

Visual Elements:

  1. Illustrations:

    • Top Right Illustration: A detailed, ornate illustration of a woman in a flowing dress, likely a religious or allegorical figure. The style suggests it is from the 16th or 17th century, possibly Austrian or South German in origin. The figure appears to be holding a cookie or a similar object, emphasizing the theme of cookies as symbols of virtue or devotion.
    • Bottom Left Illustration: A smaller illustration depicting a scene titled "St. Nicholas (flanked by a boy and a girl)" (Austrian or German, 18th century). This illustration shows St. Nicholas with two children, reinforcing the theme of cookies as symbols of generosity and familial love.
    • Caption Text: Below the illustrations, there is explanatory text. The top caption describes the woman in the illustration as a "Madonna in Glory" and notes that such designs were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. The bottom caption identifies the St. Nicholas illustration as part of the Busch-Reisinger Museum’s cookie mold exhibit.
  2. Text Layout:

    • The article is written in a dense, columned format typical of newspaper or magazine layouts.
    • The text is accompanied by headings, subheadings, and descriptive captions for the illustrations.
    • The article includes quotes from Dr. Ameliese Harding, who organized the exhibition at the Busch-Reisinger Museum, providing expert commentary on the historical and cultural significance of cookies.

Key Themes:

  • Cookies as Symbols: The article emphasizes how cookies have been used as symbols of love, fertility, virtue, and political ideals throughout history.
  • Cultural Evolution: It traces the evolution of cookies from ancient times to modern uses, highlighting their role in religious, social, and political contexts.
  • Artistic and Historical Value: The illustrations and captions underscore the artistic and historical value of cookie molds, showcasing their intricate designs and cultural significance.

Overall Impression:

The image presents a rich, interdisciplinary exploration of cookies, blending history, art, and cultural studies. The combination of text and illustrations creates a vivid narrative that invites readers to appreciate the multifaceted role of cookies in human history and culture. The article serves as both an educational piece and a celebration of the enduring symbolism of cookies.

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The image shows a newspaper clipping from the Harvard Gazette, dated December 5, 1975, featuring an article about the "Compleat Cookie: From Confection to Coats of Arms at Busch-Reisinger." The article discusses the history and evolution of cookies, highlighting their significance in various cultures and their role in art and literature. It also mentions the exhibition at the Busch-Reisinger Museum, which features 130 wooden cookie molds from the late Middle Ages and Baroque periods.

The article is accompanied by two images: one of a woman in a medieval-style dress and another of a man in a similar attire, both with intricate designs and patterns. The images are likely illustrations or carvings from the exhibition.

Overall, the image provides a glimpse into the fascinating world of cookies and their cultural significance, as well as the artistic and historical context of the exhibition at the Busch-Reisinger Museum.

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The image is a newspaper clipping from the Harvard Gazette, dated December 5, 1975. The article discusses the exhibition "The Edible Mass Medium" at the Busch-Reisinger Museum, featuring 130 wooden cookie molds from the late Middle Ages and Baroque period. The article highlights the significance of these molds in depicting social uses of picture cookies, which were baked, displayed, and consumed to commemorate religious holidays or serve as symbols of nobility.

The article also mentions that the exhibition will continue through January 17, 1976, and that it is part of the museum's collection of European Cookie Molds. The article includes two images of the cookie molds, one depicting a Madonna and child and the other showing a bishop.

Overall, the image provides a glimpse into the history of cookie-making and the cultural significance of these molds in European society during the Middle Ages and Baroque period.

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The image is a scanned newspaper clipping from the Harvard Gazette, dated December 5, 1975. The article is titled "The Compleat Cookie: From Confection To Coats of Arms at Busch-Reisinger."

Article Content

The article discusses an exhibition at the Busch-Reisinger Museum, featuring 130 wooden cookie molds from the late Middle Ages and Baroque period. The molds are displayed to show their artistic and historical significance.

Image Details

  • The article is accompanied by two images:
    • A large image on the right side of the page, depicting a cookie mold with a religious design.
    • A smaller image at the bottom of the article, showing another cookie mold with a different design.

Cookie Molds

The cookie molds are described as being made from wood and featuring various designs, including religious and secular themes. The article highlights the craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into creating these molds.

Exhibition Information

The exhibition is titled "The Edible Mass Medium" and features a collection of cookie molds from the Netherlands, southern Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. The exhibition aims to showcase the cultural and historical significance of cookies and their role in European society.

Overall

The image provides a glimpse into the history and cultural significance of cookies in Europe, highlighting their importance as a food item and their role in shaping cultural traditions.

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The image presents a vintage newspaper clipping from the Harvard Gazette, dated December 5, 1975. The article, titled "The Compleat Cookie: From Confection To Coats of Arms at Busch-Reisinger," is accompanied by two black-and-white images of cookie molds.

Newspaper Clipping:

  • The clipping features a prominent headline and a lengthy article discussing the history of cookies and their cultural significance.
  • The text is divided into two columns, with the left column containing the majority of the article and the right column featuring a continuation of the text.
  • The article explores the evolution of cookies, from their origins as a simple food to their use as decorative items and symbols of wealth and status.

Images:

  • Top Image:
    • A large, ornate cookie mold featuring a woman surrounded by a sunburst design.
    • The mold appears to be made of wood or metal and has intricate details.
  • Bottom Image:
    • A smaller cookie mold depicting a man in armor holding a sword and shield.
    • The mold is also intricately designed and features a detailed representation of the man.

Background:

  • The newspaper clipping is placed on a gray background, which provides a neutral contrast to the yellowed paper.
  • The clipping appears to be attached to a piece of cardboard or paper with three holes punched along the right edge, suggesting that it may have been part of a binder or scrapbook.

Overall, the image provides a fascinating glimpse into the history of cookies and their cultural significance, as well as the art of cookie-making and the use of decorative molds.

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The image is a newspaper clipping from the Harvard Gazette, dated December 6, 1975. The article is titled "The Compleat Cookie: From Confection to Coats of Arms at Busch-Reisinger." It discusses an exhibition at the Busch-Reisinger Museum titled "The Edible Man: Medium," which showcases cookie molds from the late Middle Ages and Baroque period. These molds were used to create cookies that depicted social uses of pictorial imagery, such as heraldry, portraiture, and religious and commonplace religious beliefs. The molds were also used to show forth an emblem of status, to commemorate an event, or to serve as a symbol of mobility.

The article explains that the exhibition, organized by American Hadley of the Germanic Museum, reflects past cultural history of the Netherlands and southern Germany. The molds were used to create cookies that were not only eaten but also served as decorative items. The molds were made from various materials, including wood, bronze, and tin, and were used to create intricate designs.

The article also mentions that the exhibition includes a variety of molds, including those depicting religious figures, political history, and everyday scenes. The molds were used to create cookies that were not only eaten but also served as decorative items. The article notes that the exhibition is a reminder of the importance of cookies in past cultures and the role they played in social and cultural life.

The image includes two photographs of cookie molds. One mold depicts a religious figure, and the other depicts a historical figure, St. Nicholas. The article concludes by noting that the exhibition is a reminder of the importance of cookies in past cultures and the role they played in social and cultural life.