Patriotic Schoolchild Watercolor by Morris Twitchell

EXCEPTIONAL PATRIOTIC SCHERENSCHNITTE (PAPER CUTTING), IN THE STYLE OFTEN ATTRIBUTED TO ISAAC STIEHLY, ENTITLED “LIBERTY,” WITH IMAGERY THAT INCLUDES AN AMERICAN EAGLE WITH A 14 STAR, 14 STRIPE FLAG IN ITS BEAK, A RATTLESNAKE, LOVE BIRDS, AND EAGLES ON URNS, CA 1830-1850 This exceptional patriotic scherenschnitte was executed in the style often attributed to Pennsylvania German minister Isaac Stiehly (1800-1869). Scholars now agree that one or more artists, working in New York, were producing their own work in a very similar style. Several examples are known that bear the names of New York and/or New Jersey residents, while two, in particular, include text that celebrates the 1844 New York mayoral election victory of publishing magnate James Harper [founder of what is now Harper Collins], who ran on a ticket sponsored by the American Republican Party, a nativist organization concerned with the loss of American jobs to Irish immigrants. Note the quality of the cutwork on this example, the centerpiece of which is a large American eagle, gripping a coiled rattlesnake and holding an American flag in its beak. Above, in a lozenge-shaped medallion, the word "Liberty" is executed in large script. To the left and right of this are elaborately decorated ovals, and anchoring each corner of the work are snowflake-like medallions. To each side of the eagle, and below, is a plethora of flora and fauna, the outermost pillars of which are supported by two urns, decorated with eagles. At the bottom center is a diamond within a heart, with two doves, one of which is offering the other a leaf. Above this there are appear to be crude representations of a gnome and a fairy flanking and urn decorated with another heart, from which grow the vines in the center window. Interlocking rings decorate the border, probably to represent marriage, and it can logically be presumed that the scherenschnitte was a wedding gift. It is of interest to note that the flag displays both 14 stars and 14 stripes. Although the reason for the use of this count is unknown, on the surface it does appear to be intentional. Other known patriotic scherenschnitte display flags with various star and stripe counts. Of those I have personally owned, the one bore 14 stars and 13 stripes, another 11 stars and 13 stripes, another displayed two flags, including a 12 star flag with 14 stripes and a 14 star jack (a blue naval flag with stars but no stripes), and another, also with 2 flags, displayed a 20 star flag...

Rare pair of fireman’s axe parade torches, 1860-1880: Pair of fireman’s axe parade torches with traditional wooden axe handles and the heads made o...

Painting of George Washington in oil on canvas, an early example, rendered circa 1850, a very pleasing and well-executed copy of Gilbert ...

Exceptional and intricate blown glass ship, in red, white, and blue, tall and shapely with a billowing commission pennant and flag, probably Czechoslovakia, last quarter of the 19th century This mindboggling, intricate little ship is one of the more remarkable pieces of blown glass that I have ever encountered. Probably Czech-made and similar in nature to some of their most rare and extraordinary, figural, blown glass Christmas...

Loom-woven horse blanket, made circa 1890-1910. The striped and geometric pattern consists of lime green, sunfire red, and ivory, against winter/summer, reversible grounds of forest ...

This fun pair of folk art fish-hats, made ca 1920, are carefully constructed of wire, fabric, and leather. Their brightly painted surfaces were obviously...

The original pen and ink drawing by Lester O. Schwartz Signed and dated 1938 ' 'Untitled' nude study of a man and a woman, the male figure giving the female a haircut. Dimensions: Size 48 x 39 x 1.5 cm Size within borders 30.5 x 22 cm Weight: approximately 1 Kg Condition: Great condition, a few age-related marks, one small wood chip on the inner wooden border, general wear and tear, great. Lester O. Schwartz American 1912-2006 Biography Painter, printmaker and sculptor, was born on 29 June 1912 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, where he attended Lincoln High School. He later studied at the school of the Art Institute of Chicago where he was greatly influenced by the teaching of Boris Anisfeld, a Russian American painter and theater designer. His student work was included in the School of the Art Institute Annual Exhibitions in 1936 and 1937. In 1937, the Art Institute of Chicago award Schwartz the Edward L. Ryerson Traveling Fellowship of $2,500.00, which he used to travel the South Pacific, Asia and Europe. During two years of travel, he studied at he American Academy in Rome and the Académie Colarossi in Paris. Upon his return to the United States, Schwartz worked for the WPA in both Wisconsin and Illinois and in the 1940s he served in the United States Army at Fort Leonard Wood...

Vintage pair (2) Folk Art or Outsider Art Portraits of Native Americans. The female displays braided hair and a necklace with pendant of possible an acorn or shell; the male with a ...

Title: Girl in forest Artist: Unknown Medium: Watercolor Painted in circa 1850. Dimensions: Image size: 21.3 × 16.3 cm Total dimensions: 36 × 29.5 × 1.7 cm Approximate we...

Vintage pencil sketching of young nude girl's Signed by Artist Made in England, 1968 Exhibited in Balcombe Galleries, Stanley Studios, Ch...

19th century Russian Icon of Saint Nicholas, likely first half 19th century, with I believe egg tempera on gessoed wooden panel, depicting Christ in a h...

American Folk Art Pyrography At Its Finest This is an original and beautiful 23 inch by 19.25 inch hand-painted and hand incised work of art on board of a lovely Victorian lady enth...