Old South Artwork

[Dino DeMario]

I found this in the attic of a home I purchased here in Charleston,S.Carolina 3 years ago...I took it to The Gibbs Museum of Art downtown and they told me it was 125-150 years old...Can anyone shed some light on this for me?Much appreciated

[Antiques in Bethania]

I would consider this folk art and wonderfully naive. The scene depicts most likely former slaves by their cabin. The dress is 19th century but artists can reproduce the elements. Would need to see the texture and paint through a lens as well as the frame itself including back, and the material for the painting (which looks to be water color), however the frame looks period. Scenes like yours do well in primitives, folk art and in Black Americana and are scarce. Can you get some better images?

Bev   

[Dino DeMario]

I hope these work out...The size is rather small-5x7 inches framed...Written on back in faint pencil it says purchased 1942-antique-$20.00-Emma McIntyre...

[Antiques in Bethania]

Sorry - but the picture is not good and we also need a better view of this as well as a view from the back of the frame. I also need the actual dimensions of the print as well as the actual  frame exterior of the wood surrounding the pic . Then a view from the back. So you know, the more detail that you submit will  provide us with the ability to give you help in idenifying.

[Dino DeMario]

Here are a few pics I took that may help you...Sorry if they are blurry-some idiot broke into my truck and stole my HD camera and I had to use my daughter's camera.Just to let you know;I know you are a dealer,I'd be willing to sell this item for a fair price and pay you a generous commission if you can help me out on this-just not really sure the true value-had an antiques dealer here in Charleston offer me fifteen hundred dollars for it but I really feel it is worth considerably more...Thanks,Dino DeMario

[Antiques in Bethania]

Hi Dino,

Still not the best images but the frame looks period and original. The paper also has age. There is a possibility that the watercolor was done by Emma McIntyer - hence the initials E M on the front. As I said it is a naive and folk artsy painting. The smallness is unique and I think you were offered a more then fair price. I suggest you post this on both Black Americana and the art forums. and see what other opinions you get. 

[Dino DeMario]

Thank you for your time...