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Glass Slide with Black Character Glass Slide with Black Character.

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Cultures & Ethnicities Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:300.00 - 400.00 USD
Glass Slide with Black Character Glass Slide with Black Character.
<B>Glass Slide with Black Character.</B></I> This slide features two figures painted as a reverse on glass, the slide has then been mounted on a piece of wood on top of another piece of glass. This secondary piece of glass has been painted black except for a small square portion. When held up to the light, one can slide each figure over the unpainted square, and as the light comes through, it illuminates the figure. By moving between each figure, a small slide show is made. The two figures are a white man and a black man. The white man is depicted in hunting clothes with a rifle, jumping up in pain as he is caught in a bear trap. Next to him is written, "A White Fast." The black man is dressed nicely, as if for church, and standing near a tree. However, wrapped around him is a large green snake about to strike his face. The man looks very afraid, and next to him is written, "A Black Fast." The comment here is likely about Orthodox lent fasts. The week following the third preLenten Sunday is known as cheese week, during which the "white fast" is observed. This means that no meat is eaten. The week following the fourth and final preLenten Sunday is known as pure week. The first three days of this week, the "black fast" is observed. This means that no food or drink is consumed until after Wednesday's Liturgy. This is just one possible explanation for a very obscure and mysterious piece!