The Great Exhibition, 1851: Carvings in Oak by Geerts

Photograph showing two Gothic-style carvings in oak. The carving on the left depicts a woman grieving for her dead infant, being consoled by an angel who takes the infant to heaven. The carving to the right depicts the coronation of the Virgin with Infant Jesus on her lap. Angels surround the two figures, playing musical instruments and singing. The carvings by Charles Geerts (1807-85) were exhibited at the Great Exhibition. The sculpture on the right is now held by the Victoria and Albert Museum.

This photograph is from Volume IV (RCIN 2800003) of ' Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations, 1851: Reports by the Juries on the Subjects in the Thirty Classes into which the Exhibition was Divided'. The incredibly successful Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations, commonly known as the Great Exhibition, ran from May to October 1851. At the exhibition's conclusion, over 100 copies of the four volume 'Reports by the Juries' were distributed to foreign governments and notable participants. The reports consist of the juries' comments and assessments of the works displayed in the exhibition. The idea and decision to illustrate the reports with photographs is attributed to Prince Albert (1819-61).