Collection of Five Theorem Paintings
Chautauqua, NY? 1977. Very Good. Item #50226
Chautauqua, NY? 1977. Collection of five original theorem paintings accomplished on cream velveteen cloth (ca. 30.5x40cm to 38x45.5cm). Two of the images signed Holly, another signed MP, '77. Some toning and light fraying to cloth margins, occasional staining, otherwise a Very Good, bright collection. Place of creation based on previous bookseller's description, noting these came from an estate out of Chautauqua. Perhaps the Institute offered a course on the art?
Wonderful and unusual example of 20th century theorem painting practice, likely using known 19th century designs. Three of the examples are from the same design of a fruit/flower/dove bowl, though all with little variations--one of the doves has little hairs sticking out of his head, some of the strawberries are seeded while others remain nude. The fourth image depicts a Shaker-flavored 19th century design of a man and woman admiring their skinny apple tree while the final painting is a chaotic 19th century farm scene, a train in the distance, and a disembodied head floating center-right.
While the practice of stencil painting dates as far back as the eighth century in East Asia, the process was not introduced and popularized in Great Britain and the United States until the late 18th century. According to Jacqueline M. Atkins' article in "Encyclopedia of American Folk Art" (2004), "Theorem painting began to be taught in America as early as 1800, and it was added to the curricula of some girls' schools as early as 1812. By 1820 it had become one of [the] most lauded types of painting for women, schoolgirls, and housewives alike, and teachers who specialized in theorem painting found ready audiences for the subject" (p. 366). The term itself, however, was not coined until 1830 with the publication of Matthew D. Finn's "Theoretical System of Painting, or Modern plan, fully explained in six lessons, and illustrated with eight engravings by which a child of tender years can be taught this sublime art in one week." The practice fell out of fashion in the late 19th century, and we have never handled such late examples.
Price: $450.00