Sepia-tinted photo of Harriet Lane. Oval. Harriet facing 3/4 front, to her right. Hair rolled under with flowers. Decolletage dress with flowers at center and at shoulders. Light-colored dress, no jewelry. Shown from hips up. Frame: rounded front, plain,
Woodcut print on tan, wove paper, done in black ink and hand colored, rectangular shape with vertical orientation. Paper print is mounted with three hinges on cream-colored matboard. Frame is a simple 19th century square profile, brown frame (not original to artwork) with hanging ring at top edge.
Within a single-line border is an image of a female scrivener, in profile, facing viewers left. She is dressed in a blue Empire gown and seated on a tan klismos chair with a strange device underneath (a green pyramid supporting a ball which in turn is surrounded with red balls). Woman has red dot on cheek as well as in a void in her hair. She holds a feather quill in her left hand and a book held up in right hand. Upper left corner of print has a red line painted to delineate a triangle which is painted blue.
Heavily inked lines and large expanses such as hair, book and shoes. All paint is semi-transparent watercolor except for the red which is very thick, opaque and now cracking.
Image is attributed to David Bixler (farmer and folk artist) who produced hand-colored prints such as this as well as portraits, maps, decorated auction bills, taufscheins, religious texts, flowers, etc. He also cut tombstones. See article written by Miriam E. Bixler as well as Papers for Birth Dayes, both in the paper file.
Provenance
This Bixler print is from the Paul Flack collection and is only being brokered through Ron Trauger.
See also: P02.17.1 a Bixler print of stag, P02.27.1-2 prints by Clement Bixler.
Generally very good except for two significant U-shaped tears near top where someone tried to pull piece away from the hinges. (A third hinge holds piece 1/3 from bottom.) Small dog-eared corner at top right. Darkened paper overall. A test of the pH pen indicates all mounting board is neutral or acid-free.
Object ID
P.01.59.1
Notes
David Bixler and his brother Absolam (d. 1884, a potter, woodcarver and farmer) were sons of Abraham Bixler (d. 1847) who owned a sawmill on Muddy Creek in Brecknock Twp. David Bixler lived on the road from Dry Tavern to Reamstown in Brecknock Twp.
Consult paper file for references, prices and copy of "David Bixler, Folk Artist" by Miriam E. Bixler, published in the Journal of the Lancaster County Historical Society, vol. 81, No. 1, 1977.
Large color lithograph print adhered to acidic paperboard backing. (now acid-free, 6/2002) Depicts scenic farmstead where Robert Fulton was born.
In the foreground is a road running left to right with trees and fencing on either side. There is a passenger coach with four galloping horses left of center and a man and woman riding horses to the right. Another tree-lined road joins this road near the center of the print and disappears into the horizon. On this road is a wagon with two riders. To the left of the road is a large farmhouse and outbuildings. On the right side is a barn with outbuildings.
Below the scene is written: "A VIEW OF THE/ BIRTH PLACE OF ROBERT FULTON/ LANCASTER COUNTY, STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA." In the center of this sentence, within a circle, Robert Fulton is depicted in high style clothing in front of a waterfront showing a steamship to the side. Below this portrait is a history of Robert Fulton.
Under the left corner of the farm scene is written, "Drawn by John H. Sherwin." Under the right corner is "L.N. Rosenthal's lith. Philad.a"
Fulton lived 1765 to 1815 and achieved fame through success with steam-powered vessels.
(written by Nicole Bangert)
Provenance
Gift from the Donegal Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution
Heavily darkened and soiled. Darkening especially around edges and streaks down center. Moisture stains at top edge, top right corner, and bottom left corner and edge. Two small losses at top, center. Loss at right edge, center. Small tear on right edge near top and bottom edge, center. Mildew spots in center of print. some foxing and faded spots in places overall. Two small brown stains at bottom edge, center.
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.
2 copies of image (etching) of cows in river, a small waterfall, a boater: "Lancaster City Water-Works, on the Conestoga River. / (from a drawing made expressly for Godey's Lady's Book)" Also, glued to a separate brown paper is a description and history of "The Lancaster City Water-Works" cut from the magazine.
Reverse of loose copy shows two women attired in "August Fashions."
Declaration of Independence and Portraits of the Presidents
Description
Rectangular print, scrolled foliate background with horseshoe array of 15 Presidents (busts in oval medallions) from Washington (top center) to Buchanan (bottom right). In center is copy of Declaration Committee and Continental Congress above copy of Dec
Full-length mezzotint portrait of George Washington in a dignified pose, after a painting by Peter Frederick Rothermel. Washington rests one hand on a dress sword emblematic of his military leadership; the other on an upright book. He is in front of an alcove and armchair with the U. S. shield at its crest. Likely published by R. A. Bachia & Co., 12 Dey St., New York, NY in 1852.
Black and white print of James Buchanan. Background is half wall with two pillars above, swag of drapery. Floor has alternating pattern of scrollwork and flowers. Ornate oval-back armchair with fringe at arms and eagle worked into upholstery on back, jus
Large color lithograph print adhered to acidic paperboard backing. Depicts scenic farmstead where Robert Fulton was born.
In the foreground is a road running left to right with trees and fencing on either side. There is a passenger coach with four galloping horses left of center and a man and woman riding horses to the right. Another tree-lined road joins this road near the center of the print and disappears into the horizon. On this road is a wagon with two riders. To the left of the road is a large farmhouse and outbuildings. On the right side is a barn with outbuildings.
Below the scene is written: "A VIEW OF THE/ BIRTH PLACE OF ROBERT FULTON/ LANCASTER COUNTY, STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA." In the center of this sentence, within a circle, Robert Fulton is depicted in high style clothing in front of a waterfront showing a steamship to the side. Below this portrait is a history of Robert Fulton.
Under the left corner of the farm scene is written, "Drawn by John H. Sherwin." Under the right corner is "L.N. Rosenthal's lith. Philad.a"
Heavily darkened and soiled. Darkening around edges and streak down left side. Moisture stains at top edge, lower right corner, and bottom left corner and edge , Mildew spots in center of print. some foxing and faded spots in places overall. Two small brown stains at bottom edge, center. Attached to cardboard backer.
Colored political print or broadside by Nathaniel Currier of New York, depicting James Buchanan and his running mate John C. Breckenridge beneath an eagle and the word "Union." Created for the election of 1855-56. Framed in a natural reddish-brown softwood frame & block corners with cream-colored window mat. Window mat reveal is 12 1/4" high by 8 5/8" wide.
President and Vice-President are depicted in 1/4-length portraits within ovals surrounded with acanthus leaves with their names below them. At top and sides is stage drapery. Above portraits is the American eagle with wings outstretched over U.S. flags and the motto "ONE COUNTRY__ONE CONSTITUTION___ONE DESTINY" above and "UNION" below. Below portraits is a female figure posing with helmet, shield and spear, below which is curling ribbon emblazoned with the words: "THE DEMOCRATS CHOICE FOR PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT FROM 1857 TO 1861."
Title at bottom reads: "GRAND NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC BANNER/ PRESS ONWARD." Above this in small print is: "Entered according to act of Congress in the (year) 1856 by N Currier, in the Clerk's Office in the Distr. Court of the Southern Distr. of N.Y." Partially hidden by the window mat is "LITHOGRAPH BY N. CURRIER, 152 NASSAU ST. N.Y."
Note: James Merritt Ives was not promoted to partner with Currier until 1857.
Provenance
Acquired from the estate sale of Anne Bausman Woodcock; descended in her family until offered for sale at Conestoga.
Generally good conditon with surface losses (silverfish?) at top right, top center, around Buchanan's face and bottom center through wording. Pressure sensitive tape two inches long visible at bottom left edge. Frame has been refinished and abraded. Recent reframing.
Object ID
P.01.58.1
Place of Origin
New York, New York
Credit
Gifted in memory of Doris Herr by her friends, Heritage Center Collection
