Fine Miniature Blanket Chest
New England, ca. 1820. Appears to be maple and pine, with original dry paint that presents as black, yet bright light suggests that it was originally a green that has now oxidized. A rather sophisticated form, well made by a capable woodworker, with thumbnail molding about the lid and high-cut out feet. Joinery by a mixture of early nail types. Superb condition retaining its snipe hinges. Just 10 inches wide x 7 ¼ tall x 4 ½ deep.
Beautiful Candle or Kettle Stand with Compass Star Inlay ....SOLD
Likely Connecticut, possibly Massachusetts, ca. 1750-1780. . Cherrywood, with inlay of maple and walnut on the dishtop with finely turned inner molded edge. The column features a bladed knop and half-ball above a tripod cabriole-base with pad feet, the bottom of the column crisply chip carved. Well cared for its entire life, this stand is in exemplary condition, including old and likely first surface. The small scale of the dishtop is often referred to as a ”kettle” stand (perhaps for tea) yet would have been equally at home supporting lighting. Delightful small size, the dishtop about 11 1/2 inches in diameter (with a half inch of shrinkage), overall about 27 inches tall. Graceful and elegant. Provenance: Private collection bought 30 years ago from Zeke Liverant.
AMMI PHILLIPS
Portrait of ELIZABETH MYGANS (Betsy)
Saugerties, New York, ca. 1834......As described by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston: “In the 1830’s, Phillips was the most successful portraitist on the New York-Connecticut border, painting the local gentry with boldness and withering honesty. This portrait of a young woman from Saugerties, New York, is typical of Phillip’s work of this period—the sitter leans forward in her chair, the black-and-white color scheme is enlivened by the red-and-yellow book, and the ribbons and folds of her translucent, lace-trimmed bonnet complement her elaborate hair style. However, Elizabeth Mygans seems to have charmed the painter, for her portrait is more pleasing than most”.
Exceptional Schoolgirl Academy Coastal Riverscape and Townscape
New England, ca. 1820. Watercolor, pen & ink, on paper. This painting stands out in being boldly saturated in blues and verdant greens. The composition includes multiple cool vignettes, featuring a large ocean sailing ship, flying the American flag, likely safely anchored from the Atlantic within the river.....
MASTERWORK
YARN-SEWN HEARTH RUG
Featuring an Enigmatic
Blue Tulip
New England, ca. 1820 to 1830. Fine wool and cotton on linen, mounted for display. A tour de force of folk art created by a talented young woman artist. She was a meticulous needle worker, stitching remarkably-even raised loops, especially noticeable in the urn. Her design has a bursting of color and texture as she flanked the already over-flowing urn with bouquets of more flowers. In this period gardens of flowers were often an extravagance, so the bold representation of so many indicates optimism and abundance. Don’t miss the single blue tulip, positioned almost at the very center. Symbolism? Blue tulips (that did not naturally occur) are thought to have symbolized tranquility and peace, trust and loyalty. This artwork has survived in amazing condition with almost no wear, as it was created and intended as decoration, likely to cover the hearth-stone (as the hearth was unused in the summer months), not as an underfoot floor piece. Mounted dimensions of about 62 inches wide x 28 tall. Pictured and discussed in AMERICAN SEWN RUGS, THEIR HISTORY WITH EXCEPTIONAL EXAMPLES, Jan Whitlock with Tracy Jamar, 2012, pages 4 and 70; LIGHT FROM THE PAST, Early American Rugs from the Collection of Ronnie Newman, page 25 as exhibited in the Kresge Foundation Gallery of the Ramopo College of New Jersey, 2004. Paraphrasing
Folk Art Portrait of an Engaging Young Man .....Born During the
War of 1812.
American, probably New England, dated 1829. Oil on wooden panel. The young man identified on the back in script-pencil as HC Pond, born Dcm (December) 18-1812, painted in 1829 age 17. Research shows an HC Pond, from Litchfield, CT, served during the Civil War, enlisting in the 1st Artillary, Dec 1, 1863, and mustered out September 25, 1865.