A photograph of a pen and ink drawing with watercolour wash by Princess Alice showing the death of the old year (1860) and the rise of the new one (1861) (RCIN 980957). Two female figures are shown seated on an island in the foreground. A young woman is shown to the left, dressed in a white gown and writing in a large book titled: 1861. An older woman is shown seated by a dying fire to the right. She is bent over with her face in her hands. Inscribed in the fire: 1860
Two boats are shown in the background, the boat to the left is shown sailing out of the sunrise behind and is manned by a putto. Inscribed on the side: 1861
The boat to the left is shown deserted and sinking into the water. Inscribed on the side: 1860
Inscribed below mounted sheet: The New & Old Year, 1861, 1860
Inscribed lower right: Alice

Madame de Coninck, formally Madame Maria de Hocédé, was the French Governess to Queen Victoria's children from 20 January 1859. Coninck was a favourite of Princess Alice and Princess Louise, who each presented her with an album of drawings (RCIN 981663 & RCIN 981664) before she left to remarry in July 1863. For other items in this volume see RCIN 981663.
Queen Victoria's children often made cards and drawings for their parents as gifts on important dates. The original drawing shown in this photograph was executed by Princess Alice for the New Year in 1861.