During the 19th century, young girls and young women kept albums which they filled with artwork and mementos. This lovely stag leaping through flora is an example of a cut & paste silhouette from one of those keepsake albums. The artist who cut this silhouette was probably young and probably female. She likely learned to cut silhouettes from the girl's academy at which she was educated. This delightful miniature silhouette measures a mere 2 1/2" x 2". It resides in a period bird's eye maple frame that measures 5 7/8" x 5 1/2". The fact that the flowers seem as big as the deer makes the silhouette all the more charming. The scrapbook which housed this silhouette was dated 1831.
Category: Artwork
$550
Peggy McClard Antiques Americana & Folk Art
West 32nd Street
Houston, TX
(713) 880-2572
Really beautiful Hudson River landscape from the mid-19th century. I love the tranquil feeling and the luminescence of the riverscape at daybreak. The fishermen are positioned in the light orange of the sun just starting to hit the water and a sailboat is in the far background close to the mountain. The academy board is backed with a trade label of F.W. Devoe & Co. in New York. The label has an 1852 trademark and shows an address in New York City. In 1869, F.W. Devoe & Co. took on a national presence by branching out into Chicago. This academy board must have been made prior to 1869 or the label would have included both the New York and Chicago addresses. The circa 1850 bird's eye maple frame with gilt liner really adds to the beauty of this American painting. Framed size is 27" x 21".
Category: Artwork
$1,250
Peggy McClard Antiques Americana & Folk Art
West 32nd Street
Houston, TX
(713) 880-2572
Miniature soup tureen of exquisite proportions and styling. This late 18th to early 19th century Continental tureen was likely used as a salesman's sample from which an itinerant salesman would take orders for the master pewterer. It is a perfectly scaled miniature and includes the touchmark shown below. It measures a mere 4" in diameter (not including the handles) and 4 1/2" to the tip of the finial. Beautiful clean patina, no repairs and just a slight dent to the top edge on one side. This is a very rare piece.
Category: Misc.
$295
Peggy McClard Antiques Americana & Folk Art
West 32nd Street
Houston, TX
(713) 880-2572
I am so excited to offer this exquisite and rare 18th century Queen Anne pewter tea urn with original japanned decoration. The painted decoration is extremely fine and the colors remain bright and beautiful. Japanning originated in the 17th century by Europeans who wanted to imitate Japanese lacquerwork used on furniture. Japanning quickly began to be used on metal for its decorative qualities as well as its protective qualities for metal that was prone to rust, such as tinware. Occasionally, we find these magnificent tea urns with remnants of the original japanned decoration. Never have I seen one with such stunning paint decoration still in place. The pot-belly is decorated with gilt birds amidst a spray of flowers and foliage. The top of each curved leg is decorated with a foliate spray. Floral and foliate bouquets dance around the top of the body and the wonderfully shaped lid. The beautifully shaped legs end with upturned toes that sit atop original wooden ball feet. The original brass key is also wonderfully shaped as is the original brass lattice-work burner and tray (which sits atop its own original wooden ball feet). It stands 17 1/2" tall, is in beautiful condition (just a tiny waviness to the lid edge) and has an insignificant amount of paint restoration. I'm happy to send you before and after restoration photos. You'll never find another with such beautiful original decoration! Don't miss it!
Category: Misc.
$1,150
Peggy McClard Antiques Americana & Folk Art
West 32nd Street
Houston, TX
(713) 880-2572
A delightful portrait miniature of enamel over gold of "Impudence" after the famous Landseer painting "Dignity and Impudence" (see scan of the Landseer below). The verso is signed "W. Essex / 1863" (William Essex, about 1784 - 1869). In 1839, William Essex was appointed Enamel Painter in Ordinary to Princess Augusta, Queen Victoria and HRH Prince Albert. Queen Victoria was said to be greatly enamored by the Landseer painting, hence her enamel painter copied the West Highland White Terrier in miniature. Essex served as master for several artists who would become famous in their own rights. Essex's miniatures of dogs are highly sought after and very scarce.
An interesting note is that the dogs who served as models for "Dignity and Impudence" were actually named Grafton and Scratch. Grafton and Scratch were owned by Landseer's good friend Jacob Bell who commissioned the portrait. Bell bequeathed the portrait to Tate Britain in whose collection it remains today.
This beautiful miniature measures 9/16" in diameter and is set in a beautiful chased gold setting atop a beautifully shaped gold stickpin. The entire piece is 3 3/4" long. There is some light surface abrasion on the dog's nose which you can really only see with a loupe or in these greatly enlarged photos. Please see www.peggymcclard.com for more photos.
$2,150
Peggy McClard Antiques Americana & Folk Art
West 32nd Street
Houston, TX
(713) 880-2572
This is a spectacular silhouette on ivory brooch of unusual design. When one can find these precious jewelry silhouettes, they are in plain gold settings or, if really lucky, gold settings surrounded by seed pearls or paste gemstones. I've never before had one in such an elaborate metalwork setting. The beautiful fruit and foliate brooch in undoubtedly the work of Henry William Field who worked with his famous father, John Field, and showed a prodigy-like affinity for metalwork as well as painting. By the time Henry was 12 years old, he was crafting metal jewelry settings for his father's profile business. While I have no doubt that the jewelry setting (with beautifully shaped leaves and pears or, perhaps figs) is the work of Henry, I am not sure whether the silhouette was painted by Henry or his father, John. Henry is known for using a more pronounced dip at the back of his bust termination than his father. The bust termination of this profile indicates that it is the work of Henry. However, John Field's gilt embellishment is generally considered to be much more advanced work with finer brush strokes. The exquisite bronzing of this silhouette indicates that it is the work of John Field.
This circa 1830 silhouette will capture all kinds of attention when you wear it. The brooch measures 2" wide x 1 1/2". The silhouette, itself, measures 1" x 1 1/4".
Please see my website Silhouettist Bios page for more info about Fields.
(#4230)
$2,250
Peggy McClard Antiques Americana & Folk Art
West 32nd Street
Houston, TX
(713) 880-2572
A lovely cut & paste silhouette of a young girl carrying a basket by a rarely found artist. The reverse of the silhouette bears the stenciled trade label CUT WITH SCISSORS
at
WHITE'S
Little is known about White, who appeared to work between 1850 and 1855. Mrs. Jackson noted in Silhouettes A History and Dictionary of Artists that a lot of silhouettes bearing this trade label were sold in 1931 by Sotheby's. One example of this lot of silhouettes is in the collection of the National Portrait Gallery of London. McKechnie noted in British Silhouette Artists and their Work: 1760-1860 that she believed that the White of Mrs. Jackson's notation was the same as one who also signed his or her work who used at least 3 different trade labels and appeared to combine profile cutting with a photography business. The paper from which this lovely little girl is cut is painted dark grey with black highlights and expert gold embellishment. She resides in a period 7" x 9" rosewood frame (with scratched surface that you can see in the photo). The frame is backed by a later antique gallery's trade label "Rowley's Gallery, Silver Street, Kensington, W. Telephone: 69 Western."
(#4354)
$975
Peggy McClard Antiques Americana & Folk Art
West 32nd Street
Houston, TX
(713) 880-2572
I love milliner's heads!! These folk art masterpieces are usually French and made between 1820 to 1870. (There are later ones--in fact some are still made today--but 1820 to 1870 is the heyday and the most desirable). The earlier ones have painted features while after 1850, the eyes and mouth are usually printed, pasted and then painted. Some have kidskin, padded heads so that dressmakers could pin their hats without damaging the papier mâché head. They usually have hollow heads with a hole cut into the back of the neck so that the milliner could store scarves and such things used in dressing the windows.
This 14" tall lady is lovely, folky, and very unusual in that she is possibly American. Her paper lining includes a Boston newspaper dated 1863. Whether the newspaper is original to the lovely lady or used for a later repair is hard to tell because these milliner's heads were used on a daily basis as shop displays and the shop-keepers repaired them as needed throughout their useful lives. This lady has had her share of repairs and restoration. Blacklighting shows inpainting of skin color on her forehead, around her eyes (but not the eyes themselves) above the lips (but not the lips themselves) and in the front of her neck area (from neck to dress line) and around the top of her dress line to her proper right. The scuff to her nose does not show fluorescence under blacklight meaning it was likely an early scuff and repair. There are two patches to her dress and a few areas of cracking paint that is a bit unstable. I think she can be wrapped carefully so that the paint is not further damaged, but then she needs to be put on display and left alone but for some very gentle dusting with a soft brush or she needs some work gluing the paint down. If you are a dealer and plan to take her to shows, I suggest you plan on having some restoration done to her before repeated packing and moving of her. But she is lovely, early, she has beautifully modeled hair (textured with paint).....and she is roughly half of the going price for a 19th century milliner's head! Have you been wanting one? Grab this one because my recent trip has only reinforced my thinking that these lovely rare milliner's heads are escalating in price faster than most other items I sell!
(#4086)
$1,450
Peggy McClard Antiques Americana & Folk Art
West 32nd Street
Houston, TX
(713) 880-2572
Mourning jewelry was popular by the 17th century used to memorialize the death of loved ones. Queen Victoria began her reign as a romantic, passionate young woman who loved jewelry and promoted the wearing of it by commissioning jewelers to design and make her pieces based on the latest fashions. In 1861, the forty-two year old queen was devastated by the death of her mother and then her beloved husband, Prince Albert. Queen Victoria remained in mourning for the rest of her life but found an outlet for her pain by commissioning mourning jewelry in memory of her late husband. The rest of the world followed suit by seeking out and commissioning mourning jewelry to memorialize their lost loved ones. Hair jewelry became popular as both memorials for the dead and sentimental jewelry representing love, friendship or remembrance. Both men and women wore portraits of their spouse or betrothed, backed by the loved one's hair. Men, especially, wore bracelets woven from their loved one's hair and ended with gold clasps bearing ornamented hair. Women wore portrait bracelets made of either hair or beads and pearls. A cottage industry was born in both England and America in which jewelers hired women and young girls to weave hair into bracelets and necklaces and work elaborate hair designs for brooches and bracelet clasps. This bracelet was obviously made for a man as it measures 9 1/2" from end to end when clasped together. The gold clasp is beautifully ornamented and the compartment contains an elaborate Prince of Wales hair design as well as clipped hair formed into a flower and leaves. The hair is further ornamented by gold filigree and a single pearl. The hair is in perfect condition as is the rest of the bracelet. I have no way to test for gold, but I believe this to be real gold....it is definitely not gold plated. Even with the large size, I have worn this beautiful bracelet on the outside of a bulky winter sweater for a wonderful look!
(#3188)
$850
Peggy McClard Antiques Americana & Folk Art
West 32nd Street
Houston, TX
(713) 880-2572
The folk artist who painted this mahogany box certainly accomplished his or her goal to simulate inlay floral medallions and foliage with only paint decoration. Fabulously folky and circa last half of the 19th century, the box open flat for use as a small, portable writing desk. It measures 11 1/4" x 7 7/8" x 3 5/8 tall. Lock box is disconnected from box but is taped to the inside of the box, along with its two nails so could be replaced. Lap joint construction (no nails are visible). Brass butt hinges with wire nails. Original paint surface with great oxidation on the bottom. Please see my website at www.peggymcclard.com for many, many more items.
$750
Peggy McClard Antiques Americana & Folk Art
West 32nd Street
Houston, TX
(713) 880-2572
Beautiful English pictorial sampler from the first quarter of the 19th century. This lovely sampler features tulips and a tulip tree, strawberries, dogs, swans and more. In very excellent condition with only one 1/4" x 1/2" hole. Framed in black ebonized reeded 7" x 17" frame with most of the London framemaker's trade label intact. Please see my website at www.peggymcclard.com to view the sampler in its entirety and for many, many more items.
$575
Peggy McClard Antiques Americana & Folk Art
West 32nd Street
Houston, TX
(713) 880-2572
Beautifully elegant antique pair of pewter candlesticks with bell-shaped bases and baluster turnings. These 9 inch candlesticks were made in 3 parts are screw together. Unmarked, they are American or English and circa last half of the 19th century. The bases are just a bit out of round and one stick is not quite straight...but close enough that no one will notice as they stand elegantly on your table or mantle. Please see my website at www.peggymcclard.com for many, many more items.
$475
Peggy McClard Antiques Americana & Folk Art
West 32nd Street
Houston, TX
(713) 880-2572
A few select copies of great reference volumes on the art of antique silhouette, portraits, folk art, Americana, and sometimes even early American Country Furniture.
Please
call for price
Peggy McClard Antiques Americana & Folk Art
West 32nd Street
Houston, TX
(713) 880-2572
A special selection of notecards that let you share your love of antique silhouettes and portraits with friends and family. Please see my website at www.peggymcclard.com for images of the four different sets.
$18
Peggy McClard Antiques Americana & Folk Art
West 32nd Street
Houston, TX
(713) 880-2572
One of four brass 18th century brass English Queen Anne candlesticks that I am offering right now. This one is 6 3/4" tall with seamed construction. Fine condition with apparently new sealer added to the bottom (where you can't see it unless you turn it over). The four candlesticks range in price from $295 to $395. Please see my website at www.peggymcclard.com for many, many more items.
$295
Peggy McClard Antiques Americana & Folk Art
West 32nd Street
Houston, TX
(713) 880-2572
An exceptional cut & paste silhouette from H.A. Frith of the Royal Victoria Gallery. This beautiful silhouette shows the excellent gilt embellishment that makes silhouettes of the Gallery so desirable. The artistry of this piece shows in how the gold highlights give a portrait-like quality to the very dark blackened paper. The light shimmers upon the young girl's hair. She holds her hat by the ribbon sash that is remarkably portrayed. Subtly you can see that the hat is made of straw. The folds of her skirt flair from her dropped waist. Her boots button up the side and slip under her lace underpants. In, short, she is an example of the best that silhouette portraiture has to offer. Signed in the lower right corner of the watercolor wash background, "Frith/ 1850". Please see my website at www.peggymcclard.com for many, many more items.
Category: Artwork
$2,250
Peggy McClard Antiques Americana & Folk Art
West 32nd Street
Houston, TX
(713) 880-2572
Here is one of those folk art pieces where I don't know which is better, the artwork or the frame! Together this theorem and folk art frame are spectacular! 19th century schoolgirl academies taught painting, both by conventional methods and theorem (also called Poonah, or Oriental painting during the period). Theorem is a method of stenciling that required a separate stencil ("horn paper") for each color. Open spaces of the theorems were painted with a bristle brush, held upright and moved swiftly in a circular motion. Moving the paint from the center toward the edge of the shape caused the edge to pick up more color and appear three-dimensional. Subject matter was most often of flower or fruit arrangements. Theorems were painted on paper or velvet. This theorem is watercolor on thick paper and is signed under the marble pedestal in pencil, but I cannot read the signature. The frame is a masterpiece in itself! It is paint decorated in shades of brown, with combed incising in the paint (my photographs do not do the paint decoration justice). This funky, folky frame has applied corner blocks, diamonds on each side, and a wonderfully carved pediment at the top. Each side of the frame has a carved lamb's tongue inside edge. The theorem and frame did not start life together but they make one wonderful package! The theorem is circa 1840 and the frame is circa 1850. Please see my website at www.peggymcclard.com for many, many more items.
Category: Artwork
$995
Peggy McClard Antiques Americana & Folk Art
West 32nd Street
Houston, TX
(713) 880-2572
