Rare Pennsylvania Folk Art Featuring George Washington Sells for $226,600
What Happened?
A 19th-century folk art drawing of George Washington and an eagle sold for $226,600 at auction after being hidden for over 60 years. The piece exceeded its estimated value of $15,000 to $25,000.
Key points
- The artwork is a double-page ink and watercolour fraktur bookplate made in the early 1800s.
- It features a full-length portrait of George Washington and an eagle surrounded by 13 stars.
- The piece was sold at Pook & Pook Inc. in Downingtown, Pennsylvania.
- Bidding exceeded the original estimate of $15,000 to $25,000.
- The artwork's excellent condition and patriotic imagery attracted strong interest from bidders.
Key insights
- The high sale price indicates a strong market for American folk art.
- Collectors are particularly interested in items with a clear provenance and original colors.
- The artwork's patriotic themes resonate with the cultural identity of early German-speaking immigrants.
Why it matters
The sale highlights the ongoing interest in American folk art and its historical significance.
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Source
Times of India