Framed theorem of stencil-painted fruit on light brown cotton velvet. Painting is a still life of variously colored fruits: melons, peaches, apricots, a half-eaten pear, grapes with leaves, plums and a pomegranate. Composed on a blue-colored base or table. An insect is depicted near bottom center below grapes.
There is no border signature or date. Frame is a flat-profiles with walnut veneer facing.
Provenance
Found in the Slaymaker attic among other framed objects, in very dirty conditions. Unknown maker, but possibly done at a Moravian school such as the one at Lititz. See Slaymakers at Linden Hall on page 147 of Slaymaker history.
Taken to Dottie McCoach for conservation June 1, 1998. Returned Sept. 17, 1998. See report in this file. After treatment the piece is still dark, stained and moisture damaged along the bottom.
Oil on canvas of Col. Joseph Shippen, in profile, facing left. Appears to be middle age, white hair or wig combed back to curl at neck. Wearing jabot or bow at neck with high-collar coat. Ptg. style suggests ptg. post-dates Shippen.
On back: Typescript paper has personal and historical information about Shippen. Born 1732 in Phila., died Lancaster 10 Feb 1810. He was the son of Edward Shippen, Commisarry of Provincial Army of Pa., who sent him with supplies by wagon train to deliver to Gen. Braddock's army. Shippen was with Braddock at Little Meadow June 1755. In 175?, he was commisioned Colonel in Provincial army and was at the taking of Fort Duquesne. Then became Secretary of the Provincial council of Pa., 1762-1776. Aslo a member of the Board of Survey of the Masan & Dixon line. Appointed Judge of Lancaster court in 1789. Married Jane Galloway 1768, daughter of John Galloway of Hagerstown, MD.
Painting condition: Good. Dust & soil overall. Light score mark across shoulder. Old nail holes on back where canvas is nailed to stretcher (?). Also, visible edges of canvas vary (?). Portrait was painted on raw canvas (not prepared with gesso or paint).
Painting repair: remove varnish, revarnish
Frame condition: Good, wood, gold liner. Is liner older than main frame?
