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Charming Small Painting of the Carriage HOPE
on Wooden Panel
.....sale pending
Probably English School, ca. early 19th century.
Oil on hardwood panel. The painted carriage is pulled by two strong horses, as there are six men on top in addition to the coachman, and at least three passengers inside. On the rail just above HOPE is painted the word BANK twice, and what looks like a date of 1821. Close examination may determine the remainder of the lettering, which likely identifies the bank. .
The riders fashionably attired, including top hats. A good coachman was expected to command his horses with the lightest touch on the reins, and to drive smoothly and not too quickly, which would have been necessary to keep from ejecting a cramped rider or two.
A survivor with small bruises and chips yet great character. Panel about 15 inches long x 11 high. Less than one inch of warpage.
Little Sliding-Lid Game Box in Brilliant Robin’s Egg Blue Paint
.....sale pending
New England, ca. 1840.
Original dry saturated Robin’s egg blue paint on pine, joinery by cut nails. The interior fitted with 16 carved gaming pieces so well fitted that clearly the box and the game pieces were made for each other. The carved, chamfered-edge lid fits into a sliding dado in the box sidewalls.
About 4 inches square a 1 inch tall. The under side signed in graphite, yet I am unable to interpret it.
Monumental Very Early Treen Candlestick
.....SOLD
Likely New England,
ca 17th to 18th century. For generations in a Stonington Connecticut family.
Original black paint and dark patina on what appears to be chestnut.
Lathe turned in three sections, the pieces fitting sturdily together via carved mortise and tenon joints. The column is baluster turned with incised lines of decoration, supported by a deep-well to the base, to collect wax overflow, and incurved sides. This candlestick emulates base-metal examples of the 17th century and earlier yet being made from skillfully turned wood and massive size elevate to a rarity.
Stands about 17 3/8 inches tall x 9 ¼ diameter base. Tall, straight, and robust, with ancient shrinkage checks in the base. Provenance: private Southern collection.
Small Portrait of a Stylish Young Maine Gentleman
.....SOLD
Born June 20, 1775
- on that day the Continental Congress gave instructions to General George Washington, &
3 Days after the Battle of Bunker Hill
New England, likely Maine, ca. 1790-1800.
Oil on canvas. A period inscription on the back of the frame reads: “Samuel Silvester born June 20, 1775 Son of Samuel Silvester which is known to have been in Wiscasset, Me. 1735”. Confirming research found the following: Samuel was born in Pownalborough (near Wiscasset), Lincoln, Maine. A descendent indicated a portrait of Samuel Silvester was hanging over the living room mantel in the family home in Wiscasset.
Samuel is very stylishly dressed in the fashion of the day, with military style coat, with white band wrapped around his neck and tied into a small knot below his chin, the especially fine shirt patterned with polka dots. The portrait is a desirable small size, the frame about 19 ½ inches x 16 ¼. There is an abrasion the runs along his left cheek line.
From a private Northeast collection, this scarce early portrait is favorably priced.
OUTSTANDING SMALL NEW HAMPSHIRE EARLY ROAD SIGN
.....SOLD
Beautifully designed and rendered in a delightful small size
Rye and Hampton just south of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, ca. mid to third quarter, 19th century. Imagine traveling past this sign, on horseback or buggy, a century and a half ago.
Original dry mustard paint on black ground. Picture-frame molding joined with cut nails. Back board shows prominent hand-plane marks. Just 29 ½ inches x 10, that will go almost anywhere.
Terrific condition with minor wear. Amongst early trade signs road signs are scarce as few have survived.
One of the best “lettered” signs that one will find.
Portrait Toddler Boy Holding his Tin Horn
Northeast, ca. 1840....
Oil on what appears to be linen. The seated handsome, blue-eyed boy in green/black patterned dress, ruffled collar, and black belt with elaborate buckle. Rendered by an unidentified yet skilled artist. Untouched condition, never lined, expected broad craquelure.
Gilded frame size about 26 ½ inches x 22 ½. This portrait has not been offered for sale in decades.
Really Good Blackhawk Weathervane
SENSATIONAL AUTHENTIC Historic Verdigris Surface
Northeast, likely made by Cushing & White or Jewell, ca. Civil War period to 1875. The visual appeal of the best authentic early weathervanes often relate to the aesthetics of their surface.
This Black Hawk has a beautiful blue-green verdigris on copper that developed over many years of outside exposure. The rich color and sculptural form elevate it to art that would stand out in a historic or contemporary setting. Black Hawks are amongst the most sought after weathervane forms owing to their proud, elegant, powerful stance.
This Blackhawk is further distinguished by its finely detailed mane and tail hair (and three-dimensional tail) that enrich its silhouette. Its flattened body allows it to be placed on a narrow shelf, windowsill, or mantel. Black Hawk, born 1833 in New Hampshire, was a famous black stallion described as coming nearer to the ideal of the perfect horse than any other animal ever seen; abundant spirit and life, bold, fearless, and graceful.
About 24 inches long x 19 ½ (to the top of the ears when mounted in the stand), the body about 2 inches thick. Exceptional condition
Lovely, Colorful Folk Art Painting
of a Village about an Inlet.
Eastern US, mid 19thc.
.....SOLD
Important Provenance includes: Gift from the Estate of Edgar William and Bernice Chrysler Garbisch to the Art Institute of Chicago, 1980.
.
Oil on canvas.A scarce painting of coastal life about a little inlet, clearly showing pride and happiness of the artist. The idealized representation is often what set folk paintings apart from more academic works, as the folk artist was painting what he felt as much as what he saw. The painting is a standout given its appealing strong colors, and vignettes of tranquil boat life about the water.
Previous owner had the painting cleaned and lined, in beautiful condition with only very minor non-image touchup. Fine gilt frame of about 30 inches wide x 23 tall.
Acquired by me from a fine private Southern collection
Vivid Little
Folk Art
Meeting House Watercolor
.....sale pending
New England, ca. 1820-1840. Watercolor on paper. This meetinghouse must have been the jewell of the little town, with rich mustard paint. Note the fan above the third floor, and the cupola that appears to be topped by a gilded ball. Interesting the different window treatments between the shuttered windows of the meetinghouse vs. those in the red building. Retains rich color. Stains at the corners and puckered paper. The frame in dry black paint appears original, the backboard secured with tin-tabs.
Frame size just 9 ½ inches x 8.