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Fogg Art Museum Scrapbook, May 1973-March 1978

ARCH.2003.39, Rendition: 806695

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The image shows two newspaper articles related to historical cookie molds, displayed alongside photographs of the molds.

The first article, titled "These works of art look good enough to eat for Christmas," is by Ann Phillips and was published in the Cambridge Chronicle on Thursday, December 11, 1975. The article discusses the tradition of decorative cookie molds, which were used by bakers in 17th and 18th century Europe. It describes how these molds, often made of tin or wood, were used to create intricate shapes and patterns on cookies, serving both practical and decorative purposes. The article mentions an exhibition at the Busch-Reisinger Museum in Cambridge, featuring a collection of these molds, and explains how the molds, some of which are several centuries old, reflect the craftsmanship of the period.

The second article, titled "Cookies can have culture, too," is by Bob Garrett and was published on Sunday, December 14, 1975. This article also references the exhibition at the Busch-Reisinger Museum. It explores the cultural significance of cookie molds, highlighting how they reflect historical and political events. The molds, imported from Germany, depict various figures and scenes, including religious symbols, historical personalities, and mythical creatures. The article explains that these molds were used to decorate cookies, which were often given as gifts, and provides insights into the themes and symbols depicted on the molds, such as the Billygoat Rider, which symbolizes vitality and good fortune.

The photographs accompanying the articles show detailed images of the cookie molds, including one depicting the Madonna in glory and another of a figure riding a billygoat. These images illustrate the intricate designs and craftsmanship that the articles describe.

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The image shows two newspaper articles from the Cambridge Chronicle dated December 11, 1975. Here’s a detailed summary of each:

Top Article: "These works of art look good enough to eat for Christmas"

  • Author: Amy Phillips
  • Content:
    • The article discusses the artistry and tradition of cookie-making, highlighting the historical significance and craftsmanship involved in creating cookies.
    • It mentions the Busch-Reisinger Museum, where some of the oldest and most elaborate cookie molds are on display, dating back to the 17th century.
    • These molds were used for both decorative and symbolic purposes, like representing angels and stars for good luck and fortune.
    • The article explains that these molds were not only functional but also artistic, often featuring detailed designs and intricate carvings.
    • It touches on the evolution of cookie designs and the symbolic meanings behind various shapes, such as the depiction of angels and saints.
    • The article encourages readers to enjoy cookies not just for their taste but also for the artistic and cultural history they represent.

Bottom Article: "Cookies can have culture, too"

  • Author: Bob Garrett
  • Content:
    • The article explores the cultural significance of cookies, particularly in European traditions.
    • It highlights the historical context and artistic designs of cookies, emphasizing how they have evolved from simple treats to symbolic representations.
    • The Busch-Reisinger Museum is mentioned again, showcasing an extensive collection of cookie molds from different periods and regions, such as Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.
    • The article discusses the variety of cookie shapes and their meanings, like the "Billygoat Rider" and "Madonna in Glory," which are indicative of the cultural and religious heritage of the regions they originate from.
    • It also mentions how these cookies reflect the artistic and historical richness of the times they were made.
    • The piece provides insight into how these cookies can be considered art pieces and cultural artifacts rather than mere snacks.

Both articles together emphasize the historical, artistic, and cultural depth behind cookies, celebrating their role as both edible art and cultural symbols.

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The image contains two newspaper clippings from the Cambridge Chronicle, dated December 11, 1975, and December 7, 1975. Both articles discuss the cultural and historical significance of traditional cookie molds.

  1. Top Clipping (December 11, 1975):

    • Title: "These works of art look good enough to eat for Christmas"
    • Author: Amy Phillips
    • The article highlights the historical tradition of cookie molds, which were not just for baking but also carried symbolic meanings. It mentions that cookie makers in Europe, particularly in the 17th and 18th centuries, used these molds to create intricate designs that often had religious or cultural significance.
    • The text discusses how these molds were used for Christmas and other special occasions and how they have evolved over time.
    • It also provides a brief guide on how to make cookies using these molds, suggesting adding flour, salt, butter, and sugar, and then pressing the dough into the molds.
  2. Bottom Clipping (December 7, 1975):

    • Title: "Cookies can have culture, too"
    • Author: Bob Garrett
    • This article delves into the cultural and historical aspects of cookie molds, explaining that they were originally used for more than just decoration. They were a form of visual storytelling, depicting various scenes and symbols from different eras.
    • The article mentions the Busch-Reisinger Museum's exhibition showcasing more than 100 cookie molds from the 17th and 18th centuries, illustrating how these molds evolved from simple shapes to elaborate designs.
    • It also touches on the political and cultural significance of some of the designs, like the "Billygoat Rider" mold from 1703, which reflects a specific time and context.
    • The piece highlights how cookie molds reflect the social, cultural, and political history of their times, from religious symbols to political cartoons.

Both articles include images of the cookie molds being discussed, illustrating their historical and artistic value. The images provide a visual reference to the intricate designs and the craftsmanship involved in creating these molds.

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The image shows two newspaper clippings from the Cambridge Chronicle, dated December 11, 1975, and December 7, 1975. Both articles discuss the cultural and artistic significance of traditional Christmas cookie molds.

  1. Top Article: "These works of art look good enough to eat for Christmas" by Amy Phillips

    • The article discusses the historical and cultural significance of Christmas cookie molds, particularly those from the Busch-Reisinger Museum in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
    • It mentions that cookie molds were used to make decorative biscuits, often with religious or symbolic imagery, in 18th-century Europe.
    • The article highlights that these molds were not just for decoration but also carried messages of good luck and protection, especially against evil.
    • It explains that the molds were carved from boxwood, a durable material, and used to impress designs onto dough.
    • The article includes a recipe for making cookies with these molds, emphasizing the cultural importance of the tradition.
    • A photograph of a cookie mold depicting "Madonna in Glory" is included.
  2. Bottom Article: "Cookies can have culture, too" by Bob Garrett

    • This article explores the history and cultural significance of cookie molds, specifically from the Busch-Reisinger Museum's collection.
    • It notes that cookie molds were used to create detailed and artistic designs on cookies, often depicting religious and mythological scenes.
    • The article mentions that these molds were used in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland during the 17th and 18th centuries.
    • It highlights that the molds were often used during the Christmas season and that they were a symbol of both artistic and culinary creativity.
    • The article includes a picture of a "Billygoat Rider" cookie mold from 1705 and discusses how these molds were used to create elaborate, intricate designs.
    • The author also mentions the political and social contexts of the images depicted on the molds, such as the influence of Baroque art and the representation of various animals and mythological creatures.

Both articles emphasize the intersection of art, culture, and culinary traditions, particularly in the context of Christmas celebrations.

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The image is a newspaper clipping from the Cambridge Chronicle, dated Thursday, December 11, 1975. It features articles about artistic and cultural cookie molds, particularly those displayed at Harvard's Busch-Reisinger Museum.

Main Article: "These works of art look good enough to eat for Christmas"

By Ann Philips

This article discusses the tradition of cookie molds, especially those used during Christmas. The writer highlights the intricate craftsmanship of these molds, which have been used historically in Europe, particularly in Germany and Austria. The molds were traditionally carved from pear wood and used to make cookies that were not only for eating but also had symbolic meanings, often associated with good luck and religious devotion.

The article mentions that these cookie molds are now considered works of art and are displayed at the Busch-Reisinger Museum. The molds on display include various designs such as saints, animals, and traditional holiday symbols. The writer notes that the molds were originally used by bakers and homemakers, and they often conveyed messages of fertility, good fortune, and protection.

One mold, in particular, depicts St. Nicholas, and the article describes how these molds can be used to press cookies, with detailed instructions on how to use them properly.

Secondary Article: "Cookies can have culture, too"

By Bob Garrett

This article further explores the cultural significance of cookie molds. It explains how the designs on these molds often reflect historical and cultural themes, ranging from religious figures to scenes from daily life and folklore.

The article mentions a specific mold of a "Billygoat Rider," an Austrian cookie mold from the 18th century, which depicts a man riding a goat. This design is symbolic and related to a traditional narrative or festival.

The author emphasizes the rich history behind these molds, noting their roots in various European traditions and their evolution over centuries. The article also touches on the process of making these cookies and the skill required to carve the molds.

Visual Elements:

  • A photograph of a detailed mold depicting "Madonna in Glory," an Austrian or South German wooden cookie mold from the Busch-Reisinger Museum.
  • An illustration of a "Billygoat Rider," an Austrian cookie mold from the 18th century.

Overall, the clipping provides a detailed look into the cultural and artistic importance of cookie molds, especially in European traditions, and their current display as art pieces.

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The image is a newspaper clipping from the Cambridge Chronicle, dated Thursday, December 11, 1975. The main article, titled "These works of art look good enough to eat for Christmas," discusses the tradition of intricately carved cookie molds used to make cookies during the holiday season. The article explains the historical and cultural significance of these molds, which were often used in Austria and other parts of Europe. The molds featured images of saints, animals, and other symbols of devotion and good luck.

The article mentions that these molds were typically made from wood and were used to imprint designs onto cookies. The process of making these cookies involved pressing the dough into the molds and then baking them. The molds themselves are described as works of art, with some being very old and valuable.

Accompanying the article are images of two cookie molds:

  1. "Madonna in Glory," an Austrian or South German cookie mold from the 18th century, featuring a detailed carving of the Madonna.
  2. "Billygoat Rider," an Austrian cookie mold from the late 18th century, depicting a rider on a goat.

Additionally, there is a smaller article titled "Cookies can have culture, too," which further discusses the cultural and historical significance of cookies. It mentions the use of cookies in various traditions and ceremonies, including religious rituals and social gatherings. The article also highlights the artistic and decorative aspects of cookies, noting that they have been used as symbols and tokens in various cultures throughout history.

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This image shows two newspaper clippings mounted on a brown background with a lighter tan border on the left and top edges. Both clippings feature printed text and an accompanying illustration each.

The top clipping has the headline "These works of art look good enough to eat for Christmas" and is dated Thursday, December 18, 1975. It appears to come from the Cambridge Chronicle. The article by Ann Phillips discusses the history of cookies made from carved molds and how these intricate creations were not only for ordinary consumption but were also considered works of art. To the right of the text is a black and white reproduction of a relief showing a figure that could be a representation of a Madonna or a similar religious iconography.

The bottom clipping is from the "Sunday Herald" dated Dec. 7, 1975, with a headline stating "Cookies can have culture, too" by Bob Garrett. The article seems to discuss how cookies can represent cultural heritage, providing historical context and mentioning that there is an exhibition where cookies are seen as "edible art." Accompanying the text is a smaller black and white illustration of a goat or "BILLYGOAT RIDER," which is labeled as an "Austrian cookie" mold from 1769, part of a show at Harvard's Busch-Reisinger Museum.

Both articles highlight the cultural and historical significance of cookies beyond their culinary uses, suggesting that these food items also carry artistic and symbolic value from the past.

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The image shows a scrapbook page containing two newspaper clippings from the 1970s about cookie molds as an art form.

  1. The top clipping is from the Cambridge Chronicle, dated Thursday, December 11, 1975. It is titled "These works of art look good enough to eat for Christmas" by Ann Phillips. The article discusses the artistry and cultural history of cookie molds, particularly those from the Busch-Reisinger Museum's collection, dating from the 17th to 19th centuries. It highlights the symbolism and craftsmanship involved in these hardwood molds and offers a recipe for spritz cookies. Alongside the text is a black-and-white photograph of a detailed cookie mold titled "Madonna in Glory," described as an Austrian or South German woodcut cookie mold displayed at the museum.

  2. The bottom clipping is from the Sunday Herald, dated December 7, 1975, titled "Cookies can have culture, too" by Bob Garrett. This article explores how cookie molds reflect cultural and historical themes, spanning Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries, with figures symbolizing mythology, politics, and tradition. It mentions an exhibit at Harvard's Busch-Reisinger Museum showcasing over 100 wooden cookie molds from Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. The clipping features a black-and-white image of a cookie mold called "Billygoat Rider," an Austrian mold from 1795, depicting a man riding a billy goat.

Both clippings delve into the significance and beauty of cookie molds as more than just baking tools but as artistic and cultural artifacts. The scrapbook page is light brown with two punched holes along the left margin, suggesting it was part of a larger collection.

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The image is a scanned copy of a newspaper article featuring two different sections. The first section is titled "These works of art look good enough to eat for Christmas" by Ann Phillips, dated December 11, 1975, and the second section is titled "Cookies can have culture, too" by Bob Garrett, dated December 7, 1975.

The first article discusses the tradition of mold-cut gingerbread cookies, highlighting their historical significance and the craftsmanship involved in their creation. It mentions the Buch Reissinger Museum at Harvard, which is hosting an exhibition of these cookies. The article explains how these cookies were used as tokens of good luck, symbols of devotion, and were carried for good luck on journeys. It also discusses the materials and techniques used in their creation, including the use of hardwood molds and the baking process.

The second article explores the cultural significance of cookies, focusing on the "Edible Mass Medium" exhibit at the Busch-Reisinger Museum. It discusses the historical and artistic value of cookies, their use in religious and political contexts, and their role in social and cultural traditions. The article mentions specific examples of cookies, such as the "Billygoat Rider" and the "Madonna and Child," and discusses how these cookies reflect the political and social history of the Helvetic Confederation.

Both articles are accompanied by illustrations, including a drawing of a cookie mold and a photograph of a cookie exhibit. The articles are part of a collection of newspaper clippings, as indicated by the presence of a file folder in the image.

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The image is a newspaper clipping from the Cambridge Chronicle dated Thursday, December 11, 1975. The clipping is divided into two main sections, each discussing different aspects of cookies and their cultural significance.

The top section is titled "These works of art look good enough to eat for Christmas" by Amy Phillips. This section discusses the historical and artistic aspects of cookie molds. It mentions the difficulty of cookie makers in producing images that are hard to work with, such as gingerbread angels and cutting out gingerbreadmen. The article highlights the traditional cookie molds from the 16th to 18th century, which were made of wood and were intricately carved. These molds were not only functional but also symbols of devotion and were closely guarded recipes. The article also mentions the Bucherer Museum, which displays these molds.

The bottom section is titled "Cookies can have culture, too" by Bob Garrett. This section delves into the cultural and historical significance of cookies. It discusses how cookies have been used as a form of art and expression, with examples from the Bucherer Museum's exhibition "Editing the First Medium." The article mentions specific cookie molds, such as the "Billygoat Rider" and the "Illuminating Rider," which were used to create elaborate and symbolic cookies. The article also touches on the social and political history of the Helvetic Confederation and how cookies were used to symbolize various aspects of life, including political and religious themes.

Both sections of the clipping are accompanied by illustrations. The top section features a detailed illustration of a cookie mold, while the bottom section includes an illustration of a cookie mold depicting a goat, likely the "Billygoat Rider."

The clipping is a fascinating exploration of the intersection of art, culture, and food, highlighting the historical and artistic significance of cookie molds and the cookies they produce.