$118,500
Chinese School, 19th Century, After Edward Savage (American, 1761-1817), LIBERTY. Reverse painting on glass with gilt highlights, c. 1800, depicting Liberty in the form of the goddess of youth Hebe, with the Boston Harbor and State House in the background at lower right, 23 1/2 x 17 1/2 in., in original molded gilt gesso frame. Condition: Very good. Literature: A similar Chinese export reverse painting on glass is illustrated in The Decorative Arts of the China Trade, by Carl L. Crossman, The Antique Collector's Club, publishers, p. 217, plate 122. Note: Artists and propagandists in the late 18th and early 19th centuries often drew from a standard set of images, figures, and symbols chosen for their connections to revolutionary ideology and republican values. In fact, it is almost impossible to find any image created during the American or French Revolutions that does not contain several of these icons. This particular work of art represents a fantastic example of how artists were able to integrate many of these symbols into a single, allegorical image. Here, we see Lady Liberty as the Goddess of Youth Hebe, dressed in a flowing Classical robe, giving sustenance to the American eagle descending from the heavens with an approving sunburst blessing his wings. In this moment, Liberty is literally bringing light to a darkened world. It is not a coincidence that she stands before a partially obscured Doric column; artists were not subtle when connecting the new Republican a Read more…
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2008-11-01
