Matrimonial Ladder

Whimsical matrimonial ladders are less common than matrimonial maps for showing the ups and downs and emotions of marriage. Nestled amongst roses and pansies to symbolise love, one ladder charts the seven stages of romance from admiration and flirtation up to declaration and acceptance. The second ladder is beset with thistles and charts the death of romance from rumination and irritation to final separation.

Created in pen, ink and watercolour by an unnamed young lady of talent most likely for a friendship album and now (loosely) backed with cream card and presented in a period gilded frame.