Important Mourning Painting, Schoolgirl Folk Art
New England, Circa 1820-1830
Anonymous…a superb example of enormously
popular schoolgirl art
Watercolor and foil on velvet, strong bright
original color, fine condition

Although displaying ubiquitous symbols of mourning, the tomb, mourners, and willow
tree being standard attributes of death, the mourning picture does not create a mood of
sadness. The unknown young artist excelled in this exercise, likely an important part of
her curriculum at a female seminary to which she devoted much time. The complexity of
composition, good sense of design, and the handling of details, fluid brushwork, and the
application of gold foil to the weathervane and dog collar speak to the inspired
instruction she received. The pastoral quality of landscape setting, tight vignettes,
abundant detail…dwellings, bridge, the renderings of different types of foliage; the
bridge, a spotted dog, three birds and a fence de-emphasize the mourning iconography.
Herringbone brush strokes creating the foliage of the iconic drooping willow at the
forefront imitate the texture of needlework stitches employed in embroidery of the
period. Centering the work are grieving figures at the tomb in the foreground which is
surmounted with a festooned urn; the tomb is vacant of inscription probably anticipating
a future need. The picture is mounted within the original gilt frame under an eglomise
glass having a black enamel and gold leaf border matt; original backboard; excellent
original condition. (Frame: 29.75 by 24.75"; view: 27 by 22")

$10,500.00

570-282

Heart & Hand Artist, Family Record, Swags, Church, Monument, Sept. 30, 1853
Simon Smith & Martha Foss, Gorham, Maine; Married, Dixfield, Maine 1843
A finely rendered composition displaying good color

Heart and Hand Artist (Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire, active 1830 to 1855)
A watercolor fraktur by the Heart-and-Hand artist recording the family of Simon and
Martha [nee Foss], Charles, Henry and Warren…all born at Dixfield, Maine. The work
remains in fine original condition and is mounted within paint decorated frame
that may be original.
(Frame: 16.5" x 12.5"; view: 13.5" x 9.5")

$3,350.00

898-26

Spencerian Drawings on Single Sheet,
Love Token to Cousin Mollie
Flourished by J.W. Swank, Washington, D.C.
19th Century
Nil desperandum [do not despair, never despair]

In a competent hand are drawn birds, a leaping stag, Indian wearing headdress, a swan
with fish in bill, a female head study and verse.

Though many miles of space may spread
Its length and breadth, twist you and I
Our pens can whisper words as sweet
As echoes of an angels’ sigh.

The work is archivally mounted and matted within a period gilt frame; folds and creases;
tiny area of paper loss. (Frame: 24" x 19.75"; view: 20.5 x 16.5")

$395.00

1079-16

Antique Fraktur, Scarce Woodblock Printed and Watercolor Form, Baptism, 1825
Anonymous

(Excellent condition, mounted within a modern frame; frame: 11" x 9"; view: 9.5" x 7.5")

Antique Fraktur, Scarce Woodblock Printed and Watercolor Form, Baptism, 1825
Anonymous, detail view 1

Antique Fraktur, Scarce Woodblock Printed and Watercolor Form, Baptism, 1825
Anonymous, back view

$575.00

1277-22

Cutwork, Watercolor and Calligraphy Memorial, Mourning Picture by E. Blackman
Circa 1840’s

Antique Cutwork Watercolor and Calligraphy Memorial, E. Blackman, Circa 1840's, close up view

Neatly compartmentalized rectangular cutwork picture featuring a central monument inscribed in ink “Stephen Anson. Son of Oliver W. & Lucinda Crocker Born April 29 A.D. 1841 Died June 3 A.D. 1842. This lovely babe so young and fair called home by early doom just came to show how sweet a flower in paradise could bloom”. Central motif features a willow tree, bird and a mourning woman leaning on an anchor. The border is outstanding; featuring cutwork cemetery, gravestones, crosses, and tomb-like corner blocks. Bottom right signed in pen “By E. Blackman”. The work is mounted within an early wood frame in gold and black.
(Frame: 22.5 by 20”, sight-size: 15 by 13.25”)

$3,950

1194-1

Antique Cutwork Watercolor and Calligraphy Memorial, E. Blackman, Circa 1840's, entire view

Antique Cutwork Watercolor and Calligraphy Memorial, E. Blackman, Circa 1840's, mourner detail

Antique Cutwork Watercolor and Calligraphy Memorial, E. Blackman, Circa 1840's, memorial detail

Antique Cutwork Watercolor and Calligraphy Memorial, E. Blackman, Circa 1840's, cutwork graves detail

Antique Cutwork Watercolor and Calligraphy Memorial, E. Blackman, Circa 1840's, signature detail

Reward of Merit, Mrs. Bazeley’s Academy, Water Colored, Printed and Penmanship Schenectady, New York… Conferred on Julia A. Jones, December 31, 1838 Designed and Painted by Mrs. Bazeley; Engraved by Kneass & Co. (Chief Engraver U.S. Mint)

This Premium conferred on Mifs. Julia A. Jones for punctual attendance, amiable behavior, application and improvement in the various branches of useful & polite Literature taught in the above Seminary

We found many web-posts listing Mrs. A. E. Bazeleya as principal of a female seminary, 31 Washington, Schenectady; also references Bazeley and the Galway Academy; the female department was under the control of Mrs. Bazeley formally of the Brooklyn Collegiate Institute. (The work is properly mounted within an appropriate painted frame that is not period; frame: 13.5 X 12.75”, view: 11.25 X 10.5”)

$2,485.00

1221-13

Mourning Picture, Watercolor
New England
Early 19th Century

The scene worked within an oval is mounted within a birds-eye maple frame.
(Frame: 13.5 x 16.75 inches; view: 9.5 x 12.75 inches)

$675

413-15

Mourning Picture, Watercolor
New England
Early 19th Century, scale view

Coat of Arms, Leland Family, Watercolor
Attributed to John Coles
Boston, Massachusetts
Circa 1800

Condition: water damage to lower left and bottom, small tear in lower left corner.
Dimensions: 12.5 by 16.25".

$350

1032-50

Coat of Arms, Leland Family, Watercolor
Attributed to John Coles
Boston, Massachusetts
Circa 1800, scale view

Hatchment, Painted Wood, Bearing Motto, Honesty Defies Fortune
Coat of arms celebrating family distinction and lineage
England, 19th Century

(Minor imperfections consistent with age, shrinkage and a tad of wood loss at outer left, else fine and original; 12.25 by 12.25")

$650

843-197

Hatchment, Painted Wood, Bearing Motto, Honesty Defies Fortune
Coat of arms celebrating family distinction and lineage
England, 19th Century, crest detail

Hatchment, Painted Wood, Bearing Motto, Honesty Defies Fortune
Coat of arms celebrating family distinction and lineage
England, 19th Century, ribbon detail

Crest, Family Crest Painted On Vellum, Armorial, Heraldic
Anonymous, Likely United Kingdom, Early 19th Century (not researched)
Gouache, watercolor, gold and silver powder paints

Crest, Family Crest Painted On Vellum, Armorial, Heraldic
Anonymous, Likely United Kingdom, Early 19th Century, entire view

(Very Good condition; frame: 10 by 12")

$345

110-669

Previous Offerings or Gone to New Homes

Early 19th Century Family Record
Anonymous, American School, 1817
“A Figuar [sic] of Matrimony” - SOLD

Early 19th Century Family Record
Anonymous, American School, 1817
“A Figuar [sic] of Matrimony”, entire view

At the center, conjoined hearts issuing a leafy vine joining two pair of flanking hearts
within stylized border. Folds, toning and minor paper losses; not examined out of frame.
(The modern frame measures: 15.25 x 13.25"; view: 13.5" x 11.5")

SOLD

1326-9

Antique Mourning Painting, Woman at Monument, Watercolor on Velvet
In Memory of Mary Ann Ellis – Obit. Aug. 8th – 1815 – AE. 14. – By C. Ellis
“Hope wipes the tears from Sorrows’ eye, While Faith points upward to the sky.”
New England, 1815 - SOLD

Antique Mourning Painting, Woman at Monument, Watercolor on Velvet
In Memory of Mary Ann Ellis – Obit. Aug. 8th – 1815 – AE. 14. – By C. Ellis, entire view

Mounted on original stretcher within original gilt frame; toning as depicted, else fine.
(Frame-22.25" x 17.75" x 1.25"; site-14.75" x 19")

SOLD

1280-2

Friendship Token, Love Token, Heart and Hand Artist,
Heart & Extended Hand Generally, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, circa 1850 Watercolor on Paper - SOLD

Mounted within a modern paint decorated
frame; 5.75" x 6.75"; view: 3.25" x 4.25"

1002-282

Pennsylvania Fraktur Drawing, Watercolor, Eagle, Floral, Birds
Anonymous, 19th Century
A colorful composition on evenly toned paper - SOLD

Antique Pennsylvania Fraktur Drawing with Floral Designs and Eagle, 19th Century, entire view

(Creases, folds, tight fissures; not examined out of frame; 14 by 11.75”, frame: 16 by 18 1/8”)

231-42 - SOLD

Stained Glass Panel, Mourning/Memorial, Jesus on Cross, Worshipers, 17th Century
Anonymous, Dutch, 17th Century
Painted and etched - SOLD

Antique 17th Century Stained Glass Mourning/Memorial Panel with Jesus on the Cross, entire view

The below electronically translated from Latin to Dutch to English, perhaps not entirely accurate

Stand still traveler, it only takes a moment what I would like to make clear, you know on this place are the dry bones of a hero. Memorabilia/in memory of a person/the venerable and learned Mr. Johannes-born 4 March 1552 in Elrich/Hohnstein (Germany Saxony)-1579 with Beca married Wallace with whom he had a son and two daughters - Beca was taken away by the death. Then married Adelheid Warnemans in 1599-a marriage from which three daughters were born. Listen up! ... EH there! .... Traveler! -consider for a moment what I add, he has 55 consecutive years in a church Office. He died 27 August 1636-pleased him the last breath to blow out, 84 years he conventions/is he has become. Eh Traveler! Remember this man and all his years of piety and interests-pray for him-the noble m. Johannes Bindhuis.

(Very good condition, we do not know if the lead was updated long ago; 15.5 by 10.75”)

1012-88 - SOLD

Fraktur, Birth Record, 1821, Adams County Pennsylvania
Printed at Hanover by D.P. Lange
Dated 1821 (See Klaus Stopp, number 301)
Having hand colored printed detail including eagle, angels, cherubs, and birds - SOLD

Fraktur, Birth Record, 1821, Adams County Pennsylvania
Printed at Hanover by D.P. Lange
Dated 1821, entire view

(Creases, folds, losses, and tears as depicted; 17 by 20" frame, 15.25 by 12.75" sight)

336-138 - SOLD

Family Record, James Armitage
White Creek, New York
1828
By Aaron Twinam Lucas
Ink and watercolor - SOLD

Family Record, James Armitage
White Creek, New York
1828, entire view

The artist was born 24 Aug 1752, NJ. Painted at age 76.
Dimensions: 16.5 by 12.5".

1032-72 - SOLD

Mourning Picture, Watercolor on Paper, In Memory of Hannah Root
Connecticut
1836 - SOLD

Mourning Picture, Watercolor on Paper, In Memory of Hannah Root
Connecticut
1836, entire view

The work is mounted in period gilt frame (not examined out of frame) and displays some toning, and spotting; there is a 1.5" tear at lower right above hillock, good color, else fine. Accompanying the memorial is a familysearch.org record identifying her parents as Oren Root and Ruth Eddy of Farmington, Hartford County. We found that "a" Hannah Root (Widow of Daniel) is buried in the Strong Cemetery, Coventry, Tolland County, Connecticut. (Frame: 16 by 13"; view: 13.5 by 10.5")

231-36 - SOLD

Northumberland Troop, Birth Certificate for John Miller
Attributed to Henry Young (1792 to 1861)
John Miller was born January 14, 1830
Jackson Township, Tioga County, Pennsylvania
Watercolor and Ink on Paper - SOLD

Northumberland Troop, Birth Certificate for John Miller
Attributed to Henry Young (1792 to 1861)
John Miller was born January 14, 1830, entire view

Among the scarce renderings within Henry Young's oeuvre are these colorful militia musicians on horseback. Inscribed is: John Miller, son of John Miller and his wife Catherine born a Moyer was born May the 29th in the year of our Lord 1828. The work is mounted within a painted and smoke-decorated frame of the period. (Frame: 11.25 by 13.75"; view: 8.25 by 11")

505-46 - SOLD

Fraktur, Birth Certificate, Northampton County Artist
Bust Portrait of Woman
Southeastern, Pennsylvania
Dated 1827
Watercolor and Ink on laid paper - SOLD

Fraktur, Birth Certificate, Northampton County Artist
Bust Portrait of Woman
Southeastern, Pennsylvania
Dated 1827, entire view

The lowers section with script surmounted by colorful potted flowers, spotted birds, and a portrait bust of a woman, all surrounded by yellow, black, and red borders. See The Pennsylvania German Fraktur of the Free Library of Philadelphia, plates 66 and 67. (9.5 by 7.5"; add 1 3/8" for frame)

216-442 - SOLD

Hall Family Coat of Arms, John Coles (Attributed)
Coat Of Arms
Watercolor on Paper - SOLD

Hall Family Coat of Arms, John Coles (Attributed)
Coat Of Arms
Watercolor on Paper, entire view

Published within the Boston directories, Coles appears in 1796 as a heraldry painter. His son, John Coles, Jr. was also a portrait and heraldic painter. John Coles, and his son John, Jr., both of Boston, were actively painting coats-of-armor in New England during the last quarter of the eighteenth century and during the early nineteenth. Their work was generally after works published within Guillim's "Display of Heraldry," a folio published in several editions in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The work is mounted within period Hogarth type frame; as depicted, minor losses at lower right.
(Frame: 14.5 by 12.25"; sight-size: 12 3/8 by 10")

414-14 - SOLD

Lee Family Coat of Arms, John Coles (Attributed)
Coat Of Arms
Watercolor on Paper - SOLD

Lee Family Coat of Arms, John Coles (Attributed)
Coat Of Arms, entire view

The Hall Family; attributed to John Coles, Jr. (1749 to 1809)
In the Boston directories, Coles appears in 1796 as a heraldry painter. His son, John Coles, Jr. was also a portrait and heraldic painter.
John Coles, and his son John, Jr., both of Boston, were industrious painters of coat-armor in New England in the last quarter of the eighteenth century and in the early nineteenth. Their work was generally copied from Guillim's "Display of Heraldry," a folio published in several editions in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The work is mounted within a Hogarth type frame by Perry Hopf. Good condition. (Frame: 14.75" by 12.25"; sight-size: 12.25 by 9.75")

414-15 - SOLD

Mourning Picture, Folk Art Memorial, Lemuel N. Rice Who Died July 31, 1821, Aged 4 Years
Anonymous, Worcester, Massachusetts…watercolor on paper, strong color
A charming work within a circle of other known Worcester and Western Massachusetts pieces - SOLD

Mourning Picture, Folk Art Memorial, Lemuel N. Rice Who Died July 31, 1821, Aged 4 Years
Anonymous, Worcester, entire view

Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA on 21 Jan 1817 to Lemuel Rice and Hannah Allen. Lemuel N. Rice passed away on 31 July 1821 in Worcester, Massachusetts. (The watercolor is properly mounted within an appropriate frame in old surface that is not period; small paper repair at upper-right corner; two short tears at upper left, else fine and original.) (Width: 19.5”; Height: 15.75”)

1221-11- SOLD

Pictorial Love Token, American School,
Potted Floral and Bird Composition Anonymous, Early 19th Century, initialed “AM”
(bought from Rhode Island estate)
Drawn on paper, budded and flowered plant in urn, paired birds, great color - SOLD

Attributed to J. Gilbert (active 1785-1820), Fraktur artist and Lutheran schoolmaster who worked at several churches in Berks and Schuylkill Counties. [Conrad’s son was also a schoolmaster; he taught at Zion’s Union Church school, Upper Tulpehocken Township, Berks County.] The Fraktur is recorded on page 313 of Papers for Birth Dayes, Guide to the Fraktur Artists and Scrivners, Volume I, by Russell D. and Corine P. Earnest; Second Edition, 1997. The work is mounted within a period paint decorated frame.
(Frame: 17 x 13"; view: 13.5 x 9.5")

640-63 - SOLD

Important Mourning Painting, Schoolgirl Folk Art New England, Circa 1820-1830 Anonymous…a superb example of enormously popular schoolgirl art Watercolor and foil on velvet, strong bright original color, fine condition

Heart & Hand Artist, Family Record, Swags, Church, Monument, Sept. 30, 1853 Simon Smith & Martha Foss, Gorham, Maine; Married, Dixfield, Maine 1843 A finely rendered composition displaying good color

Spencerian Drawings on Single Sheet, Love Token to Cousin Mollie Flourished by J.W. Swank, Washington, D.C. 19th Century Nil desperandum [do not despair, never despair]

Antique Fraktur, Scarce Woodblock Printed and Watercolor Form, Baptism, 1825 Anonymous

Cutwork, Watercolor and Calligraphy Memorial, Mourning Picture by E. Blackman Circa 1840’s

Reward of Merit, Mrs. Bazeley’s Academy, Water Colored, Printed and Penmanship Schenectady, New York… Conferred on Julia A. Jones, December 31, 1838 Designed and Painted by Mrs. Bazeley; Engraved by Kneass & Co. (Chief Engraver U.S. Mint)

Mourning Picture, Watercolor New England Early 19th Century

Coat of Arms, Leland Family, Watercolor Attributed to John Coles Boston, Massachusetts Circa 1800

Hatchment, Painted Wood, Bearing Motto, Honesty Defies Fortune Coat of arms celebrating family distinction and lineage England, 19th Century

Crest, Family Crest Painted On Vellum, Armorial, Heraldic Anonymous, Likely United Kingdom, Early 19th Century (not researched) Gouache, watercolor, gold and silver powder paints

Early 19th Century Family Record Anonymous, American School, 1817 “A Figuar [sic] of Matrimony” - SOLD

Antique Mourning Painting, Woman at Monument, Watercolor on Velvet In Memory of Mary Ann Ellis – Obit. Aug. 8th – 1815 – AE. 14. – By C. Ellis “Hope wipes the tears from Sorrows’ eye, While Faith points upward to the sky.” New England, 1815 - SOLD

Friendship Token, Love Token, Heart and Hand Artist, Heart & Extended Hand Generally, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, circa 1850 Watercolor on Paper - SOLD

Pennsylvania Fraktur Drawing, Watercolor, Eagle, Floral, Birds Anonymous, 19th Century A colorful composition on evenly toned paper - SOLD

Stained Glass Panel, Mourning/Memorial, Jesus on Cross, Worshipers, 17th Century Anonymous, Dutch, 17th Century Painted and etched - SOLD

Fraktur, Birth Record, 1821, Adams County Pennsylvania Printed at Hanover by D.P. Lange Dated 1821 (See Klaus Stopp, number 301) Having hand colored printed detail including eagle, angels, cherubs, and birds - SOLD

Family Record, James Armitage White Creek, New York 1828 By Aaron Twinam Lucas Ink and watercolor - SOLD

Mourning Picture, Watercolor on Paper, In Memory of Hannah Root Connecticut 1836 - SOLD

Northumberland Troop, Birth Certificate for John Miller Attributed to Henry Young (1792 to 1861) John Miller was born January 14, 1830 Jackson Township, Tioga County, Pennsylvania Watercolor and Ink on Paper - SOLD

Fraktur, Birth Certificate, Northampton County Artist Bust Portrait of Woman Southeastern, Pennsylvania Dated 1827 Watercolor and Ink on laid paper - SOLD

Hall Family Coat of Arms, John Coles (Attributed) Coat Of Arms Watercolor on Paper - SOLD

Lee Family Coat of Arms, John Coles (Attributed) Coat Of Arms Watercolor on Paper - SOLD

Mourning Picture, Folk Art Memorial, Lemuel N. Rice Who Died July 31, 1821, Aged 4 Years Anonymous, Worcester, Massachusetts…watercolor on paper, strong color A charming work within a circle of other known Worcester and Western Massachusetts pieces - SOLD

Pictorial Love Token, American School, Potted Floral and Bird Composition Anonymous, Early 19th Century, initialed “AM” (bought from Rhode Island estate) Drawn on paper, budded and flowered plant in urn, paired birds, great color - SOLD