August Americana
Description:
Watercolor Birth Fraktur for Anna Showalter, Earl Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, c. 1838, three pairs of birds perched in a tulip bush painted red, blue, yellow, and green, emanating from a heart and vase with verse in Germanic verse, (trimmed at top and bottom),in a bird's-eye maple veneer frame, ht. 11 1/4, wd. 7 3/4 in. (sight).
Literature: Cover image of Frances Lichten's Fraktur: The Illuminated Manuscripts of the Pennsylvania Dutch (The Free Library of Philadelphia, 1958) inspired by this piece; Ellie Hoover Walker Collection, Skinner, August 9, 2015, p. 19, Lot 1057, shows a fraktur made for Anna Showalter's sister Elizabeth in 1838.
Note: Anna Showalter was born May 24, 1838, married George Stief August 8, 1858, and died May 24, 1896.
Estimate $4,000-6,000
Top and bottom edges reinforced with a 1/2 in. wide strip of paper applied to the back, there is a 5/8 in tear in the top edge extending into the sheet, paper is toned. Sheet is not laid down.
The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.
Keywords
Frances Lichten, George Stief August, Elizabeth, Ellie Hoover Walker, Anna Showalter, Collection, Lancaster, PhiladelphiaStephen L. Fletcher
Partner/Executive Vice President and Chief Auctioneer
Director of American Furniture & Decorative Arts
508-970-3000
Christopher D. Fox
Vice President
Director, Historic Arms & Militaria
Associate Deputy Director, American Furniture & Decorative Arts
508-970-3200
Paul O’Hara
Business Administrator, American Furniture & Decorative Arts
508-970-3224
American Furniture & Decorative Arts
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