Watercolor of a soldier in uniform, a Lancaster Fencible, done on paper board and framed. Soldier is shown in Civil War officer's uniform, standing at center, looking to his right with his right arm akimbo and his left hand resting on an unseen masonry structure at the base of several columns shown at soldier's left. His high hat with plume rests y his left hand and a flag rises prominently at a 45 degree angle behind him. Seen in distance beyond solider's right elbow is a military monument identified as the Battle Monument in Baltimore, MD, commemorating the War of 1812.
Portrait on paper board is rape-mounted into a wooden window mat constructed with a molded opening wrapper with paper? and now painted gold. Window mat has a white paper facing (probably a recent addition).
Reverse of paper board has inscriptions which are only partly legible. At top appears to be "Property/ H.E. Slaymaker," near bottom is "Dr. John --Esbenshade/Eshleman?..." and at bottom is "...Lancaster Fencibles/ 1838."
Frame appears to be original to the painting. It is a moderately heavy molding, done in gilt, of which most is worn off except for the cover section.
(Written by Wendell Zercher)
Provenance
Not a family painting. Donor's husband, Bruce Gingrich, purchased this painting at a sale held by a patriotic men's organization located just south of Trinity Lutheran Church on South Duke. Apparently the organization was moving or going defunct. Donor guesses this may have been circa 1960s. According to the 1923 Directory, the G.A.R. building/Post 84 was located at 43 South Duke St.
Watercolor is faded and retouched in areas (seen in white and black areas); paper is foxed and distorted (not flat) and separating/tearing away from its window mat. Artwork and frame are dusty and soiled inside and out. Frame is loose at several joints and gilt is very worn and in poor condition.
