Presentation fraktur attributed to David Frey is a watercolored drawing of a bird on a tulip. Executed on a rectangular piece of tan wove paper, the watercolor is done in yellow, green, red, pink, blue, black and brown. The nicely detailed bird faces the viewer's right, perched on the bent stem of a tulip with one yellow bloom at tip: plant is growing out of the ground. Frame is softwood with a dark mahogany veneer on beveled face.
Inscribed in ink on reverse side in elegant script is "Catharina Frey. 1832." Seller believes this may be a daughter of David's son, Jacob Frey (b. 1785) and wife Elizabeth of Rapho Twp. Hess says Catharina is likely the younger sister of Anna (Nancy), recipient of drawing P.04.49.2.
(Written by Wendell Zercher.)
Provenance
Sold by Mr. Clarke E. Hess of Lititz, PA, for $1.100. Mr. Hess purchased the drawing in Bucks County. (2004)
Very significant insect damage with tears at left edge extending inwards one inch toward wing tips; also two smaller holes below legs and on stem. Original damage appears to have occurred over liquid stain. Old repair on reverse using additional backing paper is now adhered only at bottom. The reverse side carries the residue of pigment missing from P.04.49.2, indicating that the two pieces of paper had been stored together for a long time. Minor flaking/losses of pigment. Minor soiling of paper. Replaced wood back with acid-free matboard.
Image of Trinity Lutheran Church. 1800's. New brick facade, wrought iron grate/fence surrounding building's sides. Steeple now integrated with building's face.
Fashion print of lady's blue ball dress engraved for the Improved Series of Ladies Magazines . Woman wears white gloves, a white fur collar and hold a draped fur boa. In upper right, a view of lady's hairdo from the back of the head.
Two fashionably dressed women, one in blue opera dress standing and facing forward. The second woman in pink is seated with her back to the viewer. Mode de Paris appears at top of page.. Entire description below is in French. In pencil below: "10 Feb 1832."
Broadside: Goods bought from a Philadelphia wholesaler by Henry F. Slaymaker who built a "railroad hotel" by the tracks of the Columbia-Philadelphia Railroad in Gap, 1832.
Broadside (mounted) Theatre, benefit and last appearence of Mr. Duff, August 30,1830.(note with broadside locates the theatre on site of 36 West Chestnut St. )
Fashion plate print. Black line drawing of three women. 'Fashions for September 1831' at bottom. Picture is hand-watercolored. First woman wears a peach and white dress, off the shoulder, and a white and green hat with plumes. Second woman wears a green
