c. 1820 Pair Martha & George Washington Silhouettes Peales Museum w/ PROVENANCE

Description

This listing is for the exceptional circa 1820 Pair of George Washington & Martha Washington Silhouettes with Provenance pictured above.
About these works
:
Two silhouettes of George and Martha Washington, the first bearing a “Peales Museum” stamp, and the second signed by artist Beatrice Kendall as “B. Kendall”. The oval shaped silhouettes are laid down on double sided black stock paper with typewritten captions. Accompanied by a February 22, 2011 typed signed letter establishing the excellent chain of provenance.
George Washington is a negative space silhouette shown in profile facing right with his head encircled by 13 stars (representing the 13 colonies). Bearing a “Peales Museum” and eagle stamp at bottom center. Matted behind black stock.
Martha Washington is a positive space silhouette comprised of cut black paper with gilt hand-painted accents. The First Lady, in beribboned mob cap and kerchief, is shown in profile facing left. Signed “B. Kendall” at lower right.
The silhouettes were acquired by retired business executive and former U.S. Ambassador Walter Sherman Gifford (1885-1966), who collected antiques. A February 22, 2011 typed letter signed by Gifford’s descendant Richard Gifford Deaner of Augusta, Georgia establishes a chain of ownership. Deaner has also included 2 of Ambassador Gifford’s business cards.
“The silhouette was owned by Walter S. Gifford, my great-grandfather, who was U.S. Ambassador to the U.K. and who was President of AT&T during the first half of the 1900s. Also, Walter worked closely with almost all of the presidents from 1910-1960 including Woodrow Wilson, Herbert Hoover, and Harry Truman. Walter was an avid collector of fine antiques and historical items.”
The Peale Museum was established in Philadelphia by colonial portraitist Charles Wilson Peale (1741-1827) to house natural history, botanical, and archeological specimens. The museum produced silhouettes between 1810-1830, including the one of George Washington pictured above. These are not to be confused with the Colonial Revivalist reproductions that were heavily produced in the early 20th century.
Provenance
:
U.S. Ambassador Walter Gifford (1885-1966);
by descent to Richard Gifford Deaner;
University Archives, CT;
Private Collection, PA
Sizes
:
George
: 7 inches tall by 5 inches wide (matting); 4.75 inches tall by 3.375 inches wide (image by sight)
Martha
: 5.5 inches tall by 3.5 inches wide
Condition
: Good antique condition overall. The George Washington silhouette with typical toning and some wear/discoloration to paper. The Martha Washington silhouette with some toning and slight fading to hand-painted gold accents.
These works will be well packed and shipped with insurance and signature confirmation. Free local pickup is also available.
Feel free to ask any questions!