Raynors HCA 2015-05
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/21/2015
American made Printed Textile is in dark brown on off-white cloth, measures 21” x 19” being framed to an overall size of 26” x 24”. It was produced in Philadelphia, by Pember & Luzarder, shortly after George Washington’s death in December of 1799. This famous American textile is designed after an engraving by Amos Doolittle of New Haven, Connecticut. Possibly the most famous of the prints relating to Washington’s death was G.Washington in his last Illness attended by Docrs Craik and Brown by an unknown artist and published in Philadelphia by Pember and Luzarder, 1800. As Wendy Wick Reeves notes in her George Washington, An American Icon: Although the scene was certainly fictional, it had the appearance of factual reporting. Only the two older doctors are depicted, but their names are properly recorded. Furthermore, details such as the bottles of medicine on the table, the miniature portrait hanging around Martha’s neck, the taking of the pulse with the aid of a watch, all contribute to the authenticity of the image. In its stark and unadorned simplicity, and its depiction of all the important characters at this climactic moment of a man’s life, it is truly a prototype for that favorite of lithographic images in the nineteenth century, the deathbed scene. Six different ornate cartouches surround the scene, with lavish praise of Washington. The condition is whole and complete in appearance with various scattered problems. There are a number of small ink erosion splits, mostly where the design is most heavily inked, particularly at the various outer and design borders. There are some minor expected tone which does not distract significantly, as the entire fabric is a fairly even light tan overall. This entire textile is centered upon a white silk backing within the frame. It has not been taken out of its frame for inspection due to its fragile nature. All of the text and the large central designs are quite bold and clear having a complete overall appearance for display.
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