Watercolor of country mill. Probably painted by Julius Augustus Beck, brother of first wife of William Alexander Hammer, Martha Ann Beck. (Original entry by unknown person)
WRZ entry: Colorful W/C mounted onto nearly 1/8" thick paperboard (H: 5.75" W: 7.75") with gold, pebbled surface on back, and "Hammer" scrawled in pencil script. Front side, in margin above mounted watercolor is "4160 Hammer" also in pencil script.
Mounted in black modern frame with window mat for exhibit 2013-2016. (Removed from Med. Flat Box 35, "Fine Arts: Paintings", Cabinet 2).
Watercolor mounted, is a pastoral scene attributed to J. Augustus Beck, brother of first wife of William Alexander Hammer, Martha Ann Beck..
WRZ notes: Above is original descriptive entry of 2003. The ID for this piece is based on measurements listed here -- otherwise uncertain. Scene is a dirt road at center leading to distant village; one traveller walking. Picture is framed by foreground, having a copse of trees on either side of road. At left is a trough dispensing water into a container; sheep resting nearby.
Signed at lower left "JA. Beck / 1897". Reverse has several areas of writing that is difficult to read.
Painting of young, uniformed Civil War "soldier", posing in front of a cannon & American flag and leaning on a fluted pedestal with urn. Painting done a paper 5 3/8" x 6 1/2" piece of paper paste-mounted onto a larger piece of paperboard within a double-line border. Below image is a hand-painted cartouche with "Regimental Bugler, A.F. Shenck, / 9th Penna. Vet. Calvary, / Aged 14 years". Outside of border at bottom left is painted "PRESENTED TO A.F. SHENCK ESQ., / BY REDMOND CONYNGHAM.
Note: Redmond Conyngham (1863-1929) was a Lancaster attorney as was Shenck (8-16-1846 to 4-1-1921). This presentation piece appears to have been a gift and tribute to Shenck, honoring his Civil War service, suggesting a friendship between the two colleagues.
Provenance
Note on card accompanying drawing/painting is: "D.A.R. gift / 1880s". This date seems doubtful since it suggests Shenck giving this presentation piece away while still a young man in his 30's or early 40's.
Painting of on paper of elegant unidentified woman in oval gold frame with convex glass; has hanging ring. Woman gazes toward viewer's right, dressed in black Victorian formal clothing with fancy high collar and elaborate coiffure with bow. Mottled background of various hues.
Frame housed in an oblong leather-covered case with divided lid opening like twin hinged doors. Oval frame fits into central cavity of main leather frame, all covered with dark red velvet. Frame back has recessed "leg" that pulls out to allow frame to stand..
Painting signed with red lettering: "William S." at lower right edge.
Oval case is H: 5.25" (incl. hanging ring) W: 3.50"
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2016-06-10
Condition Notes
Portrait has good color and detail. Gold frame is good; glass has minute pitting and scattered abrasions. Leather-covered case interior is good with worn velvet on large center panel, including hook covering. Leather on exterior is fair-to-poor condition due to significant losses, tears ans abrasions. Structurally sound.
Painting: Oil on linen, unstretched, Poor, paint losses over entire surface, cracking, surface dirt, yellowed varnish, signed lower right pencil B. Nevin.
Painting conservation needs: Consolidate, humidify, restretch, major inpainting, clean and remove varnish.
