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  "WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY" BANNER, THE ONLY 19TH CENTURY TEXTILE I HAVE EVER SEEN MADE TO CELEBRATE THE BIRTHDAY OF THE FATHER OF OUR COUNTRY, 1860-1880
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"WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY" BANNER, THE ONLY 19TH CENTURY TEXTILE I HAVE EVER SEEN MADE TO CELEBRATE THE BIRTHDAY OF THE FATHER OF OUR COUNTRY, 1860-1880:

The whimsical text on this hand-painted, fantastic, 19th century banner reads: "Washington's Birthday". Painted in black oil on sailcloth cotton, it likely dates somewhere between 1860 and the 1880. A logical guess might be that it was made during the 1876 centennial of our nation's independence, a year of significantly heightened patriotism. Similar banners are seen affixed along the bottom or along the hoist ends of American flags and that may have been the place where this banner was once affixed. Whatever the case may be, however, it is an extremely rare object because I have never before seen any 19th century textile that was specifically made in celebration of Washington's birthday. For this reason it is truly a unique object and subject matter in my experience with 19th century American textiles. The contrast of the large, black letters, which have faded just slightly towards a dark sepia brown against the natural white of the sailcloth makes for a striking presentation.

Mounting: The banner has been hand-stitched to 100% cotton, black in color, which was washed to reduce excess dye. An acid-free agent was added to the wash to further set the dye and the fabric was heat-treated for the same purpose. The mount was then placed in a black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed, contemporary Italian molding. The front is u.v. protective acrylic.

Condition: This was a single piece of fabric and was clipped to accommodate a more reasonable method of display. There is minor foxing and staining, but there are no significant condition issues.
   
Primary Color: white, black
Earliest Date: 1860
Latest Date: 1880
For Sale Status: Sold
Price SOLD
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