Henrietta eye-shadow compact

Object/Artifact

Archive of Cuban Socialism

Name/Title

"Henrietta" eye-shadow compact

Entry/Object ID

2025.1.364

Description

Oval hinged compact in mottled red-brown ("tortoiseshell"-effect) molded plastic. The lid is decorated with a gold-tone metal appliqué — a floral spray with scrollwork flourishes — centered on a white domed imitation-pearl cabochon; a small thumb-tab clasp projects at the top edge. Opened, the lid holds an oval mirror (heavily desilvered and foxed). The base interior, in the same red-brown plastic, carries a molded plaque lettered "Henrietta" in gold cursive and is fitted with two rectangular powder pans — a green eye shadow (left) and a pale blue/lavender eye shadow (right, with white surface blooming) — above a long narrow empty well (for a missing applicator) and a lower recess.

Use

Belonged to Gertrudis Caraballo Gálvez

Context

A duo eye-shadow compact with integral mirror and applicator well — an ornate mid-century vanity format. "Henrietta" is attested elsewhere only as a vintage cosmetics-compact name, without documented manufacturer or country; it is plausibly an imported item, but its origin is not established here.

Collection

The Cabrera Arús family collection, Gertrudis Caraballo Gálvez collecition

Acquisition

Accession

2025.1

Made/Created

Edition

Henrietta

Notes

Manufacturer: undetermined — "Henrietta" is the brand named on the interior plaque, but no maker or country could be verified. Designer not identified.

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type

Inscription

Location

inside palette

Transcription

"Henrietta"

Material/Technique

Etched

Dimensions

Dimension Description

Oval - Length: 7.9 Width: 6 Height: 1.3

Height

1.3 cm

Width

6 cm

Length

7.9 cm

Parts

Lid (plastic) with mirror and gold appliqué + pearl cabochon + hinge and clasp/thumb-tab + base (plastic) with "Henrietta" plaque; two eye-shadow pans (green; blue/lavender); applicator well (empty).

Materials

Material

Plastic

Material Notes

Molded plastic, simulated tortoiseshell (cellulose acetate or phenolic; exact polymer tentative); gold-tone metal appliqué; imitation-pearl cabochon (glass or plastic); glass mirror; eye-shadow powders (wax/talc/pigment).

Condition

Overall Condition

Fair

Relationships

Related Person or Organization

Person or Organization

Gertrudis Caraballo Gálvez

Notes

owner

Related Places

Place

City

Havana

Country

Cuba

Region

Caribbean, Central America

Notes

use

Created By

María A. Cabrera Arús

Create Date

March 31, 2022

Updated By

María A. Cabrera Arús

Update Date

July 17, 2026