This heraldic watercolor illustrates, by means of sylvan imagery, the family name of “Sylvester.” More complex and artful than most of these family crests attributed to the Massachusetts heraldic painter John Coles (1749-1809), the crest is surmounted by a fifteen star American flag. The fifteenth star was added to our flag on Jan. 13, 1794, and we assume that to be the approximate date of the watercolor.
Massachusetts, c. 1794.
In excellent condition; 12” x 16” framed.
Folk Art Mirror
A charming paint-decorated mirror depicting three generations of “fashionable menfolk" surrounded by familiar everyday sights. Painted on leather, the silvery/white painted ground may have been intended to simulate the white silk needlework that is on occasion seen as a background on 18th embroidery.
A rare and charming piece.
Probably English, 2nd half 18th c.
18” x 25”
Stone Carving
Italian, 16th c.
Unusually sensitive marble carving of Moses.
9” h.
Watercolor Portrait of a Young Lady
New England, c. 1820.
Charming portrait on a heart-shaped board, no doubt given as a token of love.
