David Gentleman Art

An unusual quilt with sections that look like children's drawings.

This extraordinary hand-stitched quilt, dating to the American Civil War era (circa 1860–1870), originates from the deep South—likely Alabama or Georgia—and stands as a powerful example of African American folk artistry during one of the most pivotal periods in American history. Crafted from wool and homespun blankets, the quilt features a striking design of diagonally pieced squares composed of repurposed clothing in shades of navy, brown, red, and gray. These textiles are believed to be remnants of garments worn during the Civil War, transformed through necessity and creativity into a work of enduring beauty and cultural significance. The back of the quilt is made from a bold red and gray striped textile, adding a distinctive visual contrast. Quilts like this—made by African Americans in the Reconstruction-era South—are exceedingly rare and deeply meaningful. They embody both resilience and resourcefulness, and serve as powerful expressions of heritage, survival, and artistic identity. This particular quilt comes from the collection of a Civil Rights attorney who has spent decades practicing in Alabama and Georgia, with a devoted interest in preserving African American folk art from the Civil War era. Its provenance adds another layer of depth and historical significance. Dimensions: 63” x 73” Date of Manufacture: 3rd Quarter of the 1800s Place of Origin: Alabama, United States Material: Cotton, wool Condition: Good The Persian Knot Gallery, SKU: 1982 African American Quilts...

A beautiful and rare antique American Mennonite quilt, country of origin: America, circa 1860. Size: 5 ft 3 in x 5 ft 6 in (1.6 m x 1.68 m) This rare, Mennonite antique America quilt from the 1860’s is a real treasure, as there are few that have survived. The Mennonites are a branch of the Amish community that broke off in the 1860’s over disagreements with the Old Order Amish. The Amish are a group of Pennsylvania Dutch immigrants to America who are known for adherence to strict religious beliefs and conservative views. Their women are notably known for their skill in quilt making. This brightly colored quilt is in what is known as the log cabin pattern. The squares are made from strips of fabric stacked in a way similar to the stacking of logs used to make a log home. This particular arrangement of colors is known as “streak of lightening” and is a popular Mennonite design. This pattern alternates light and dark diagonal rows of color. The border creates a whimsical frame to the pattern. These magnificent antique American quilts were often made from scraps or clothing that had worn out its usefulness. The Mennonites were known for their thriftiness and traditions that emphasized gratitude for the gifts one had been given. These designs were not haphazard and required tremendous amounts of planning and thought. The scraps would be collected and then the colors would be arranged. Finally, the pieces would be cut and stitched together with precision to make a top. Next a fluffy, warm stuffing would be sandwiched between a backing and the top. This would be hand stitched to accentuate the design and to keep the stuffing from shifting during use. This antique Mennonite quilt...

An antique hand-made quilt circa 1890-1900s originated from Ohio. The quilt features a striking patched square pattern with fan motifs, all hand stitched with colorful cotton appliqu...

"Tropical Garden" is an illustration style painting of tropical jungle plants. Vibrant greens, expressionist gestures, and intricate textures come together in this artwork to create...

Colorful Corals II is a vibrant diptych that captures the rich diversity and texture of underwater coral life. The artist uses confident lines and bold, layered colors—reds, blues, y...

This series of cyanotype triptychs showcases the beauty of nature scenes, including stunning beaches and oceans, as well as the intricate textures of water, forests, and skies. These...

This exquisite American appliqué quilt, hand-stitched in Pennsylvania during the late 1800s, is a remarkable example of 19th-century textile artistry. Featuring a charming “Floral” pattern, the quilt showcases delicate red and pink blossoms with graceful green stems and leaves, all set against a soft ivory background. Each element of the design was individually hand-cut and appliquéd with meticulous care, framed within panels that speak to the quilter’s precision and patience. The result is a visually stunning composition that radiates warmth, craftsmanship, and heartfelt dedication. Quilts of this era—especially those entirely hand-stitched—are increasingly rare and highly collectible, prized for their historical value and timeless beauty. Due to its delicacy and artistic appeal, this quilt is especially well-suited for use as a wall-hung tapestry, where it can be appreciated as a piece of early American folk art. A true labor of love, this quilt offers both visual serenity and a deep connection to America's rich quilting heritage. Dimensions: 71” x 72” Date of Manufacture: Late 1800s Place of Origin: Pennsylvania, United States Material: Cotton, Applique Condition: Excellent The Persian Knot, SKU 1905 American Applique Quilts, Vintage Pennsylvania Quilts, Antique Applique Quilts, Applique Quilts, Pennsylvania Applique Quilts, Vintage Raising Barn Quilt...

"Stone of Unction, Church of the Holy Sepulchre" is a framed 19th century hand-colored lithograph by David Roberts from the large folio edition of his monumental 6 volume publication...

This is an original 19th century duotone lithograph entitled "Great Hall at Karnac, Thebes" by David Roberts, from his Egypt and Nubia volumes of the larg...

A large Amish quilt of center diamond pattern made from a blush rose red and pine green chambray cotton and wool blend. The center diamond in the square pattern is supplemented with ...

This is an original 19th century duotone lithograph entitled "Interior of the Temple of Aboo Simbel" by David Roberts, from his Egypt and Nubia volumes of the large folio edition, pu...