Foil Painting of Fruit Rare American Piece c1875
Directory: Antiques: Decorative Art: Folk Art: Pre 1900: Item # 1027387
Please refer to our stock # a1176 when inquiring.
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This is a rare and striking folk art example of a tinsel or foil painting. The vast majority of tinsel paintings are of flowers, but this one, as does item a1175, focuses instead on fruit. This particular gem shows a rose colored glass compote with plums, cherries, strawberries, pear, etc. Colors are deep and very vibrant, and include blues, purple, orange, yellow, greens, etc.
As mentioned in other listings, tinsel paintings of this type are almost a completely American form, becoming highly popular around 1860, and continuing into the mid 20th century. Earlier pieces, such as this one, were done by reverse painting on the glass, and the foil was not colored, but picked up its hues from the paint on the glass it was backing. Often, tinsel paintings show substantial loss, scratches, and paint lifting. This particular one is is superb condition, with virtually no problems. The fine and uncommon silvered frame is period. The sight size is 11 3/8 inches by 8 1/2 inches, and the framed size is 13 7/8 inches by 10 7/8 inches.
This would make a wonderful display alongside the other tinsel fruit painting, a1175.
