Antique Folk Art Découpage Box, Circa 1855
Antique Folk Art Découpage Box, Circa 1855
Antique Folk Art Découpage Box, Circa 1855. Likely designed to function as a document box with brass locking component still in place (key missing). The piece is fully découpaged on five sides with images of a witch, George Washington, varying styles of American eagles, animals and mini homes. The images are very detailed, likely extracted from publications of the time such as magazines, almanacs and advertisements. This example is quite striking with its dark ground color, allowing the applied images to truly pop. Likely constructed by Aaron Franklin Olmsted as signed on interior (“A F Olmsted”) in 1855, East Hartford CT. He was a notable pastor originally from Hartford, CT who later settled in Rhinebeck, NY.
Presented as part of our “Nameless Art + Design” Show collection, January 2024.
Condition: Great antique condition considering its age and use. Four sides of the box have découpage elements that remain almost fully intact. The top shows some signs of wear with losses and abrasion to applied details (as would be expected with heavy use and contact with this part of the box).
Specs: 12” W | 10 1/4” D | 6 1/2” H
