| DRAMATIC, HAND-PAINTED, PATRIOTIC BANNER WITH A SCREAMING EAGLE, WINGS RAISED TO ENVELOPE A BILLOWING AMERICAN FLAG; HAND-PAINTED ON SATIN, IN THE POPULAR MANNER OF EARLY 20TH CENTURY ILLUSTRATORS; SIGNED “A. BUCCINI, N.Y.C.”, COPYRIGHTED & DATED 1918 (CLOSING YEAR OF WWI) |
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| Web ID: | pat-837 |
| Available: | Sold |
| Frame Size (H x L): | 80" x 47.5" |
| Flag Size (H x L): | Sight Size - Approx. 67" x 34.5" |
| Description: | |
| Exceptional, patriotic banner, with a dramatic, screaming eagle, wings raised, in defense of a billowing American flag that curls upward from within their vortex. Hand-painted on lustrous satin, the image appears within an open archway. Note the exquisite detail and clever use of shading, that draws the viewer in to the head, beak, and eye, then to the deep recesses of the wings, then upward through the skyward trailing flag, the treatment of which incorporates dramatic movement to what would otherwise be a static object. It’s difficult for the eye to rest on the work, and in that sense seems to accomplish what the painter intended. Note the exquisite, tapered, brass pole, with ball finial and gold cord, from which hangs large bundles of laurel branches for victory or olive branches for peace. Either would be appropriate for 1818, the copyright date that appears in the lower right corner, accompanied by the signature “A. Buccini” and “N.Y.C.” This marked the end of U.S. involvement in WWI (1917-18). The silk fabric, once wrapped around a stretcher frame, is signed by the maker along the outer edge: “Skinner’s Satin.” Founded by William Skinner as Unquomonk Silk Mills, in Haydenville, Massachusetts in 1848, before moving production to Holyoke following an 1874 flood, by the turn-of-the-20th century the firm had become the largest satin producer in the world. The title “Defense” appears at the bottom of the flag staff. The artist is believed to be Alberto Buccini (1900-1933), who had incredible skill, but a very short lifespan, and from whom few documented works have been identified. I am aware of just six others in total, all banners, each painted on long, narrow panels. I previously acquired and sold two Buccini banners, each of which featured renditions of Lady Columbia (a.k.a., “Lady Liberty” / “Goddess of Liberty”). One of these I advertised in The Magazine Antiques in April of 2009. Signed “Buccini Studios” and dated “19©17”, this depicted Liberty as a clarion figure, with a long horn, and bore the title: "A Call to the Colors." The other depicted her with a palm branch, surrounded by doves with olive branches in their beaks, and was pencil-inscribed on the reverse: “Columbia Victorious.” Together these to versions bracket U.S. WWI involvement. Three other of Bucinni’s banners share versions of the same eagle & flag image that appears on the banner that is the subject of this narrative. One of these is in the collection of The Woodrow Wilson House in Washington, DC, where it hangs above the bed of the former two-term President of the United States. Wilson was in office when the U.S. declared war and served throughout it. Because this was Wilson's residence after he left office, in 1921, it is likely that the banner previously hung somewhere in the White House. It was common for presidents to leave with some of the objects acquired or gifted during their term of office. The two other examples of Buccini banners with eagles are privately owned. The last of the six (approximately one half as wide as the rest), is not of a patriotic nature, instead displaying various capricious figures, festooned with drapes and flowers. Mounting: For 25 years we have maintained our own textile conservation department, led by a master’s degree level graduate from one of the nation’s top programs. We take great care in the mounting and preservation of flags and related textiles and have preserved thousands of examples. The banner has been hand-stitched to natural / ivory colored muslin. A 3-ply mat was made and covered in 100% cotton twill, black in color, that was washed and treated for colorfastness. The two-part frame consists of a black painted and gilded, Italian molding with a wide, serpentine profile, to which another, with a scooped profile, was added as a liner. The glazing is Optimum Museum Acrylic, (U.V. protective, 90% reduced glare, and scratch resistant). Feel free to contact us for more details. Condition: Check back or inquire for full report. |
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| Collector Level: | Flags for the truest Patriots. My best offerings |
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| Earliest Date of Origin: | 1918 |
| Latest Date of Origin: | 1918 |
| State/Affiliation: | New York |
| War Association: | WW 1 |
| Price: | SOLD |
| E-mail: | info@jeffbridgman.com |
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