A vivid red cardinal perches atop holly and berries, hiding a music box that plays Beethoven's "Für Elise" with quiet elegance.
"Für Elise" — German for "For Elise" — was composed in 1810, but wasn't published until 1867, forty years after Beethoven's death in 1827. Historians still debate who Elise really was: some point to Therese Malfatti, a student Beethoven is said to have proposed to that same year; others to Elisabeth Röckel, a young soprano nicknamed "Elise" by a parish priest; and still others to Elise Barensfeld, a child prodigy who toured with one of Beethoven's friends. Whoever she was, the melody has long outlived the mystery, and now graces this hand-painted porcelain cardinal.
A charming gift for any cardinal or music box collector, and a lovely addition to a holiday mantel or shelf. Browse our shop for more vintage Christmas figurines to round out your collection.
Condition: Vintage, excellent; no chips, cracks, or scratches; music box plays beautifully. Please review photos closely before purchasing, as all sales are final.
