Catalog: Antiques: Decorative Art: Folk Art (96)

A charming example of Abraham Parsell's ability to capture the essential characteristic of a sitter and portray them in a wonderful naïve manner. In the miniature portrait presented here we have a young man with striking blue eyes and a mound of curly hair. He is attired in a dark brown jacket, black vest, and white tie and shirt.

The condition of the painting is excellent, with no cracks, chips, bowing, fading, etc...

A fine example of early American folk art. Generally classed as fraktur type, paintings such as these were done by children, and were often, as this one was, painted on a page from a ledger or notebook. This particular piece is a charming depiction of an eagle, and is housed in a period frame with good surface.

The painting is in very good condition, with good color, and no tears or creases...

A wonderful idyllic scene of a girl gathering flowers in a hat. Near her is a lake with cows watering, while in the immediate background is another group of cows and a young girl. The far background has trees and a house. The charming naïve style, and the inclusion so many items of interest combine to make this work an exceptional piece.

Often even simple watercolors of this age have substantial condition issues, ranging from tears, stain, folds, di89scolrations, etc...

A fine oil on canvas portrait of a young woman in a brown dress and blue lace trimmed hat, with a column and red drape behind her. Stylistically, this would be from the Philadelphia School. Sight size is 30" by 24 1/2" and the overall size is 35 1/4" by 30". The portrait is in its original gilded frame, which is in very fine shape, with the normal minor nicks. The stretcher also appears to be original...

This shaving box is a truly wonderful and unusual piece of Americana, and was used to hold and sharpen razors. It was not a common household object, and not many survived from the 18th century. Nina Fletcher Little discusses these charming boxes in her book, Neat and Tidy, and shows a similar example. This particular example is made from birch, and has chip carved saw-tooth edges, and, on three sides, scribed designs...

A charming watercolor on paper painting depicting a young woman holding a note or book in her lap while her pet dog begs for attention. The dress, feathered hat, and hairdo, as well as the construction style of the house show this to be a woman of means, as well as placing this work in the 1800-1803 time period. This is likely a schoolgirl painting, done in freestyle rather than the more common stenciling. Presented in a period giltwood frame.

There are no folds or creases in this example...