Record Details

Wreath of Flowers with Birds and Daguerreotype of Child

Artist Artist unidentified

Date1855–1865

Place/RegionUnited States

MediumReverse painting and foil on glass with daguerreotype in stamped brass mat

Dimensions16 5/8 × 18 3/4"

Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Day Krolik Jr.

Accession number1979.3.1

Description

Tinsel paintings often display strong regional characteristics. The design of the wreath and birds in this painting relates to motifs found on Pennsylvania German fraktur. The lively execution provides a counterpoint to the muted daguerreotype image.

Lee Kogan, "Wreath of Flowers with Birds and Daguerreotype of Child," exhibition label for FOILED: Tinsel Painting in America. Lee Kogan, curator. New York: American Folk Art Museum, 2012-2013.