Swoon. I am quite loathe to part with this one, the best of its ilk I've had in my possession I do believe, and 100% my sort of thing. C. 1820s American I believe, purchased from one of my favorite dealers and friends at New Hampshire Antiques Week. I am forever in search of just this sort of early folk art watercolor, and know from my searching that examples like this are both hard to come by and very dearly priced--and what better subject than a mother and daughter, here distinguished in age not so much by their faces as by their sizes in relation to one another?! The bright yellow dress of the girl is just as good as can be, its black polka dots starting not at her waist but rather below her arm, as if to place central importance on that gesture. And what wonderful little hands, one on her mother's knee, the other grasping for the flower or brooch at her neck, while mom points one finger toward her daughter, perhaps to scold her grabbiness! (Also seems there might be a metaphor about transitions to womanhood going on here.) Then those tiny feet, one black, one brown, poking out below their skirts. Absolutely fabulous.
Framed: 8 3/8" x 7 1/8". Sight" 6 3/4" x 5 5/8". In a period lemon gold gessoed frame with wood back, where I presume it has lived for a very long time. Rich strong color, very good condition, with old fold lines to the soft paper.
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