Pennsylvania German Aesthetics
12 artifacts in this set
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Birth and Baptismal Certificate for Elisabeth Catharina Schneider, circa 1800
Fraktur (Document)
Early German immigrants created decorative keepsakes to commemorate important family events. These documents, known as Fraktur, usually incorporated intricate lettering, elaborate borders and colorful drawings of birds, flowers, hearts or other stylized figures. This hand-colored Fraktur records the birth and baptism of Elisabeth Catharina Schneider in 1774. This document -- made perhaps some 25 years later -- was embellished with flying angels.
Birth and Baptismal Certificate for Maria Heimbach, 1784
Fraktur (Document)
Inside the heart-shaped center of this Fraktur is information about the birth and baptism of Maria Heimbach. The artist decorated the remaining areas with colorful, hand-painted flowers and other foliage. Even the handwriting on this document shows a decorative flair.
Drawing of Confronted Lions and Birds, 1800-1820
Watercolor (Painting)
This Fraktur was likely created as a practice piece. "Confronted" in this description refers to how the animals face each other in a symmetrical design -- a feature common to Pennsylvania German decoration.
Family Record for Robert Pedrick, circa 1812
Family register
The aesthetic of the Pennsylvania Germans became immensely popular, so much so that its influenced extended to other regions. This family record, documenting the life events of the Pedrick family, was created in New Jersey but imitates the style of Pennsylvania German Fraktur. The image of the house became emblematic of the style.
Lion Figurine by John Bell, 1840-1865
Figurine
The soil in southeastern Pennsylvania consisted of two layers: a high-quality topsoil suitable for farming, and a rich clay subsoil. Numerous potteries developed in the area, creating pieces that utilized the same decorative aesthetics as Pennsylvania German Fraktur. This whimsical lion is one such example.
Barber Basin, 1791
Shaving basin
This barber basin is an important early example of Pennsylvania German pottery. It features techniques common to the Pennsylvania German style, including sgraffito (a term used to describe incised decoration) and the use of colorful red slip.
Plate, 1785-1796
Plate (Dish)
This plate was created by notable artist George Hubener. As a farmer, Hubener likely created pieces when the agricultural calendar allowed it. At one point in his career, Hubener was able to establish his own pottery. Surviving pieces of his work range in dates from 1786 to 1793, and showcase traditional Pennsylvania German motifs.
German American Wardrobe, 1790-1800
Wardrobe (Case furniture)
In the German immigrant areas of Pennsylvania, painted wardrobes with floral scenes were commissioned by prosperous farmers and merchants to show off their wealth and sophistication. This wardrobe is larger and more elaborately decorated than most, retaining much original paint, including extensive faux finishes on the drawer fronts.
Chest, Made for Elisabeth Mockersen, 1794
Chest (Case furniture)
Young women used chests like this one to store linens and other household goods in anticipation of their wedding day. The carnations painted on the front symbolized faithfulness and loyalty.
Settee, 1830-1860
Settee (Multiple-seating furniture)
Pennsylvania Germans during the first half of the 19th century – like other Americans of the time -- prized exuberantly painted furniture and other "fancy" things. This brightly colored settee with its gilded accents and hand-painted floral forms was part of a set that included six chairs.
Quilt, 1840-1870
Quilt
This quilt is emblematic of the Pennsylvania German style of quilt making. It features appliqued design elements – the border and roses – and colorways common to the aesthetic.
Album Quilt, circa 1850
Album quilt
By the middle of the nineteenth century, the Pennsylvania German aesthetic had spread outside the community, to other groups in the region. This "album" quilt was used by Anne Dawson Morrison, a prosperous Philadelphia Quaker.