Entire Collection
Miniature Prie-Dieu, Fairy Castle
Specifications
Miniature Prie-Dieu, Fairy Castle
Category
Art, Architecture, and Design
Classification
CHENHALL - Communication Objects - Ceremonial Objects - Religious Objects - Kneeler - Prie-Dieu
CHENHALL - Communication Objects - Arts - Visual Arts - Sculpture - Miniature
Object Origin
1928-1935
Physical Characteristics
Object Description: Miniature carved prayer desk (prie-dieu) with kneeling pad, angled book holder and mantel. At back panel is depiction of angel in prayer, decorative carving along trim.
walnut
Measurements: Object:
Height: 4 in, Width: 2 in
Credit
Gift of Colleen Moore, 49.129.348
Display Status
On Exhibit
Miniature Prie-Dieu, Fairy Castle
About: Miniature Prie-Dieu, Fairy Castle
About: Miniature Prie-Dieu, Fairy Castle
This is a miniature Prie-Dieu belonging to the Prince and found in his Bedroom within the Fairy Castle. It literally means “pray God” in French and is a podium-style piece of furniture used for prayer with a kneeling surface and a narrow upright front where the faithful can rest their elbows or for holding books. Informally, it is referred to as a prayer podium. This one has a carved angel in the center and two candle holders on both ends of the podium. The Prie-Dieu can be found in the Prince’s Bedroom of the Fairy Castle which is cast in bronze. The theme of the carvings on the bed and chairs is of Little Czar Saltar, an 1831 fairy tale by Russian author Alexander Pushkin. The walls are painted in Russian blue, and the perforated ceiling is shaped like a canopy supported by pillars and decorated with animals and plants. The bed is carved from walnut and painted, and possessions of the Prince can be found throughout. Moore may have imagined the Prince as a descendant of a Russian czar.
Related Objects
Related Objects
Art, Architecture, and Design
Colleen Moore's Fairy Castle
Additional information
Copyright information
The objects and content presented on this website have been reviewed for the copyright status to the extent possible. However, if you believe that any material has been used improperly or without proper authorization, please contact us. We are committed to respecting intellectual property rights and will address any concerns promptly.
Have a question or comment about this object? Contact us.