Spiral Religious Text1780–1785Sheet: 8 5/8 x 6 7/8 "
Frame: 14 3/8 x 11 5/8 x 3/4 "Watercolor and ink on paperGift of Ralph Esmerian2005.8.360Fraktur with circular medallion with German inscription, heart in center, floral border, bird upper left and upper right corners, heart lower left and lower right corners1544973335Johann Adam EyerBooks/Manuscripts/Information ArtifactsThe American Folk Art Museum believes this work to be in the public domain.Pennsylvania GermanTranslation of inscription: We are children, want to give graciously always from that which He gave us. We want to exercise giving. To love him above all others Christ oh mighty, he gave us his gifts--Even heaven and earth stand at our service because through his beloved child, we became his children. We always want to honor his work because he gave us so much and even before a human being is born, he has recognized us and forgiven our sins. Praise his name eternally, those of you who are from Adam's seed. He constantly is with us and wants to hold us with love. Let us praise Him and multiply.United StatesPennsylvaniaThe Fraktur-Writings or Illuminated Manuscripts of the Pennsylvania GermansWorks on PapereMuseum - Collection HighlightsNo doubt some favored pupil of Adam Eyer received one of his spiral religious texts at the beginning of the artist's career, for several examples inscribed with the recipients' names and dated in the 1780s are known to exist. Eyer skillfully and carefully lettered the piece while rotating it, and he selected a rhyming text that perfectly fits the space allowed. As usual, his choice of colors and design elements yields an extremely handsome piece. The texts in the hearts at the bottom speak of the heart; the one at the right features a heart motif in place of the word.
Frederick S. Weiser, "Spiral Religious Text," in Stacy C. Hollander, American Radiance: The Ralph Esmerian Gift to the American Folk Art Museum (New York: Harry N. Abrams in association with American Folk Art Museum, 2001), 479.
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated with new research. Records are reviewed and revised, and the American Folk Art Museum welcomes additional information.
To help improve this record, please email photoservices@folkartmuseum.orgFraktur with circular medallion with German inscription, heart in center, floral border, bird upper left and upper right corners, heart lower left and lower right cornersFrakturreligiousSchoolmaster in Mennonite schools. Alternated red and black inks in his texts. Bright colors and exuberant floral, bird, and border motifs (Moyer)17801785 2005 8 36 No doubt some favored pupil of Adam Eyer received one of his spiral religious texts at the beginning of the artist's career, for several examples inscribed with the recipients' names and dated in the 1780s are known to exist. Eyer skillfully and carefully lettered the piece while rotating it, and he selected a rhyming text that perfectly fits the space allowed. As usual, his choice of colors and design elements yields an extremely handsome piece. The texts in the hearts at the bottom speak of the heart; the one at the right features a heart motif in place of the word.
Frederick S. Weiser, "Spiral Religious Text," in Stacy C. Hollander, American Radiance: The Ralph Esmerian Gift to the American Folk Art Museum (New York: Harry N. Abrams in association with American Folk Art Museum, 2001), 479.
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated with new research. Records are reviewed and revised, and the American Folk Art Museum welcomes additional information.
To help improve this record, please email photoservices@folkartmuseum.orgFraktur with circular medallion with German inscription, heart in center, floral border, bird upper left and upper right corners, heart lower left and lower right cornersFrakturreligiousSchoolmaster in Mennonite schools. Alternated red and black inks in his texts. Bright colors and exuberant floral, bird, and border motifs (Moyer)