Child’s Push Sleigh

Description

This child’s push sleigh dates from the Biedermeier period, that is to say, ca. 1830/40. It belonged to the family of Johann Jakob Merian (1798–1859) and Valeria Burckhardt (1808–1876), whose three sons Jakob, Daniel, and Alfred (born 1826, 1830, and 1834 respectively) were presumably taken for rides in it. Child’s push sleighs like this one were used instead of perambulators in winter, when they were pushed along by the nursemaid or houseboy as a rule. Warmly wrapped up in furs or blankets, the younger children might have been taken to school or on a skating trip in such a vehicle. This sleigh has room for two children. It is a fine piece of workmanship and a classic example of elegant Biedermeier style. The runners converge at the front and at their apex are crowned with a little snail.