Greeting Card 1866

Charles Henry Bennett's "Greeting Card" from 1866 is a charming example of Victorian-era holiday imagery. The small card depicts a jolly man, likely Santa Claus, carrying a large Christmas ball topped with a sprig of holly. The inscription "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year" on the ball creates a festive atmosphere. Bennett's signature caricature style, evident in the exaggerated features of the figure, adds a playful touch to this delightful holiday greeting. This card, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, offers a glimpse into the visual traditions of Christmas celebrations in the mid-19th century.