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  EXCEPTIONAL PATRIOTIC CALLIGRAPHY WITH REVOLUTIONARY WAR REFERENCE, MADE SOMETIME BETWEEN THE CIVIL WAR (1861-65) AND THE 1876 CENTENNIAL OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE
Dimensions (inches): frame - 43.25" x 33.25", work - 32.25" x 22"
Description:
Whimsical pen and ink calligraphy with exuberantly embellished text that reads as follows:

“America’s Independence when Cemented by the Blood of Heroes and Enabled by the Sacrifice of Warriors and Patriots was Established in 1776 on an Everlasting Foundation by Most Unparalleled Exertions of Wisdom & Valor.”

At the very top is “E Pluribus Unum” (out of many, one), and the word “Liberty” appears to the bottom right of “America.” At the bottom, a three-part signature reads: “Deigned” then “Manuscript,” followed by “C.H. & R.E.” (with a fanciful “N” serving as the ampersand).

In addition to heart stirring words that so profoundly and accurately express the accomplishments of America’s forefather’s and soldiers during the Revolution, the graphic nature of the work is extraordinary. Most notable is the use of so many styles of lettering, typical of the 19th century, though especially well-balanced and presented in this instance.

Calligraphy of this sort became very popular in the latter half of the 19th century. Artists gave classes in it and many of the works of this period that are encountered were produced in a classroom setting. Although its origin is unknown, this may be no exception. What’s unusual about it, however, is that it is devoid of images, containing only text. Most of the examples one encounters display animals, such as eagles, lions, horses, and elephants. While I have occasionally seen small works with one word, such as “Union” or “Liberty,” I have never seen a piece of this scale with patriotic verse. Circa 1861-1876.

Mounting: This is a pressure mount between 100% cotton twill (treated for colorfastness) and U.V. protective plexiglass. The black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed molding is Italian.

Condition: There are some professional repairs around the edges, which also appear to have likely been trimmed by a former owner, though it is impossible to know the original size. There are no repairs to the calligraphy itself, except in a small loop at the very bottom center, below the word “manuscript.”
   
Primary Color: black, white
Earliest Date: 1861
Latest Date: 1865
For Sale Status: Sold
Price SOLD
E-mail: info@jeffbridgman.com
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