Important
Carved Wooden Panel
Rose Bush Plaque
Likely Maine, ca. 1800-1820.    

From a small body of work among the very best in American Folk Art by an unknown master carver. Others by this carver are the masterpieces: Wallbox in the American Museum of Folk Art; and the Small Chest pictured in AUTHENTIC EYE, FOLK ART MASTERPIECES by David Wheatcroft, and SHARED LEGACY, the Collection of Barbara Gordon, both publications also mentioning a plaque by this carver. See my image showing all three together. (The Barbara Gordon collection also has a wallbox similar to that in the museum).

The carving on this pine panel is all from one solid, standing well proud of panel in an eye-catching deep relief. The paint is bone-dry, never over vanished. The stylized carving is beautifully sensitive and sublime. Structurally exceptional, paint wear as shown, with touchup to the black ground and the blossoms. Robust (weighs several pounds). About 14 inches wide x 12 tall x 2 ¼ deep.

Originally purchased in the late 1980’s from the Portsmouth, NH dealer, Hollis Brodrick, before the wallboxes and small chest were “known”.