Artist/Maker

Unknown

Place Made

Date Made

1780-1850 c.

Medium

canvas –paint –wood

Dimensions

HOA 34 1/2″; WOA 39 1/2″

Accession Number

4964

Description

Rare fireboard made of canvas, yellow pine stretcher and flat-head nails. Scene painted on canvas depicts three ships graduated in size sailing along a shoreline. The largest ship is a schooner with the American flag atop. A small building can be seen in the background. A large tree dominates the foreground, flanked by a smaller tree. A hilly shoreline makes up the background. The sky depicts either a sunset or sunrise, with pinks, blues and white clouds. The canvas has been nailed into place. The frame has rabbeted joints. The backing of the canvas has been covered with old newsprint, which is peeling off. The color palette consists of shades of blue, green, pink, white and brown.

History

This piece was purchased from an antique shop outside of Halifax, North Carolina. It is said that this piece was bought in Tillery, North Carolina, which is 10 miles south of Halifax. A similar fireboard was found in Enfield, North Carolina, which is located 10 miles west of Tillery.

Credit Line

MESDA Purchase Fund