$1,541
Framed Memorial Theorem, Vermont, early 19th century, watercolor on velvet, depicting a woman grieving beside a double urn topped monument, with a weeping willow tree and graveyard in the background, the monument with applied paper inscribed: "Sacred to the Memory of Frances C. Stearns/Died Oct. 2d 1825/Aged 22." and "Deidamia Wires/Died July 2d 1834/Aged 28.," 15 x 15 1/2 in., in a later molded giltwood frame. Condition: Minor toning and foxing, a square patch of velvet at lower left corner, was originally added at time of making, minor crease. Note: A paper affixed to the reverse with typewritten inscriptions reads: "From page 15 of Summary of Journals of Elizabeth Stearns; This painting on velvet, 'a mourning piece' was painted by Elizabeth Stearns, age 14, in the fall of 1827 at a 'select school for girls' kept by a Miss Swift in Fairfax, Vt., about 12 miles from St Albans. Painting on velvet was an 'ornamental subject' and Elizabeth was excused from attendance upon all classes except grammar to complete this painting."
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2010-03-07
