Oil on canvas, patriotic painting, American school, circa 1860. The shape of the painting suggests that it may have been painted to be hung over a doorway. The draftsmanship and color are outstanding. The painting depicts an American eagle with his wings outspread, his head up looking towards the right. In his right talon, he is holding a cluster of arrows and in his left, a holly branch with red berries. Hanging from the eagle's neck on a gold chain is an American shield. The back drop behind the eagle is very dramatic. It features a sunburst with excelerated sized rays. Between each ray is a painted five pointed star. At the center of the rays is a blue sky with white puffy clouds along the edges. Running along the base of the painting is a flowing banner which is red on the front face and blue on the back. The banner terminates on each side with a pair of fancy tassles. In white lettering on the banner the words: "E PLURIBUS UNUM" are painted. The painting hjas a modern gold leaf frame. This painting is a wonderful example of American patriotic art of the Civil War period. (PA-1019)
Condition: The painting has been lined. There is a small tear repair and very minor scattered inpaint.
Dimensions of Painting: Height 12, Length 50, Inches
Dimensions of Frame: Height 21, Width 58, Inches