Perspective colored drawing of two buildings apparently on southwest corner of the Moravian Church Square (est 1757) in Lititz. The artwork is signed at lower left by artist Samuel A. Steel and dated May 20, 1863. It also read "Copy 2nd." Modern framing is done in a dark gray window mat and black wood frame.
Drawing (17.5" high x 20" wide) is done on off-whit paper in pen and ink; the water-colored rendering at bottom is of a stone building and a clapboard building, nearly touching at their corners. Perspectives of the buildings are projected above the watercolor via extended dotted lines, showing three views of the larger stone building (facade, end and floor plan), but only two views of the smaller one (facade and floor plan). The stone building at left was originally the Single Brethren's House, built in 1759. It is now stuccoed and stands next to the Moravian Church. The smaller building at right is unknown and is no longer extant.
Large open lettering impressed on paper at bottom right reads: "WHATMAN/ 1859." Probably a watermark or imprint of artist's firm?
Below framer's sticker on back is an older printed sticker apparently removed from previous frame job (John Wanamaker) and affixed here.
(Written by Wendell Zercher.)
Provenance
Believed to have been purchased by Chris Machmer (antiques dealer of 146 W. Main St. in Annville) at the antiques markets in Adamstown sometime within the past ten years (this was written in 2003) and offered to this museum (The Heritage Center) several year ago for $7,000. Finally purchased by Museum at Conestoga Auction sale of Chris Machmer antiques following his death this year (2003).
Generally good with light soiling overall. Variety of stains (moisture and colored) over surface. Darker discoloration along top edge as well as to left of colored rendering. Tears visible at edges. Creases throughout center of paper. Framed in recent years by Gallery 444 Ltd. of Hershey, PA, but frame was damaged at front of sides while handled at sale. Minor scars elsewhere. Dust cover at back is punctured at top center and along bottom.
Watercolor on paper, depicting the residence of Mrs. Eli K. Kline. It shows a gray Federal two-story stone house with German dormers and a doorway flanked by columns. Portions of the two adjacent buildings can also be seen.
The caption reads "Residence of Mrs. Eli K. Kline./Lebanon Pa/ 1869
