Americana & Folk Art

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This is a lovely American 19th century theorem on paper of a glass compote of fruit sitting on a marble slab.  The fruit arrangement includes vivid blue-black grapes, green grapes, red cherries, peaches, a beautifully colored bronze pear, two peaches, some blue plums, and a stem of currants.   During the first half of the 19th century, schoolgirl academies added theorem painting to the arts taught to young ladies.  Theorem painting, also called Oriental or Poonah painting, allowed young girls to design and paint still life compositions by using a group of stencils which could be laid upon velvet, cotton, silk, satin, or more rarely, paper.  Once the stencil grouping was complete, the young lady could paint each individual component inside each stencil with depth and toning not before achieved in America by the use of stencils.  Before the introduction of theorem painting, stencils were used, primarily for wall and floor designs. 

This beautiful circa 1830 watercolor theorem is framed in a period black painted frame with a gilt stenciled liner.  The frame is circa 1860 so there is a difference of about 30 years between the still life and the frame.  The paper of the theorem has been laid down onto cardboard.  Framed size is 19" x 16 1/4".

(#4501)     $1250

Please see Theorem Painting in America for more information on this wonderful form of American folk art.

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