Nutcracker dolls originate from late-17th century Germany, according to Wikipedia. In German folklore, they are symbols of good luck, scaring away malevolent spirits, and serving as protectors of the house. Nutcracker dolls were often given as gifts, and thus became associated with the Christmas season. While they were most commonly made to resemble toy soldiers, different designs emerged in the 19th century: dressed as miners, policemen, royalty or soldiers from different armies.
Further popularisation of the Nutcracker doll came from the 1892 Tchaikovsky ballet adaptation of Ernst Hoffman 1816 story ,”The Nutcracker and the Mouse King”, which featured a Nutcracker toy soldier.
My friend Rosella is not only a very talented circus artist, but she’s also a gifted craftswoman. She made herself a Nutcracker costume and asked me to do a shoot where she’d be cast as a miniature doll. The shoot took place at her house around Christmas. The doll in the tree was the first photomontage of the series.
There is a really nice fireplace mantle in her living room, and that was a natural choice for a composite. The background shot was already nice, but adding a Nutcracker doll makes it much more interesting.
The last set up has the Nutcracker doll in an armchair.
For the last picture, I used a vintage look colour grade. I felt it suited the furniture as well as the concept of the Nutcracker doll.
Share this content on
by 
