Sold: Watercolor Epitaph

Antique and original early American folk art watercolor and penmanship sampler “Friendship Gift” dated 1822 and signed J.B. Miller. The watercolor floral garlands and funerary icons are exquisitely rendered, as is the careful script of the “Epitaph” calligraphic text. The piece quotes the lines​ ​of​ ​William Cowper, and reads:

My name—my country—what are they to thee?
What—whether base or proud, my pedigree?
Perhaps I far surpass’d all other men—
Perhaps I fell below them all—what then?
Suffice it, stranger! that thou see’st a tomb—
Thou know’st its use—it hides—no matter whom.

The slogans​ ​”Commerce, Liberty, Independence, Agriculture” and “Economy is Wealth”​ ​are also written in banners among the garlands. The piece is signed and dated J.B. Miller and 1822 in the lower right hand corner. Framed in an antique period appropriate gold frame. A charming piece of American folk art painting found in New Hampshire.

Condition

Good​ ​condition​ ​with slight yellowing and foxing. Please see photos.

Measurements

Framed:
11.5​ ​inches tall and​ ​9.5​ ​inche​s​ wide
Watercolor alone:​
​9​ ​inches tall and 7 inches wide

Shipping

Free in the continental United States. If an international buyer, please contact me for a shipping estimate by clicking here.