Large Harvest Foil Art From the 1930s

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A rare large tinsel foil art of fruits, vegetables, and florals from the 1930s or older. Looks newly framed. Grapes, … Read more A rare large tinsel foil art of fruits, vegetables, and florals from the 1930s or older. Looks newly framed. Grapes, pears, watermelon, squash or pumpkin, figs, peaches or apples, and cherries on a black painted surface with a flower garland frame under glass and in a wooden gold frame. Bright and shiny colors. Perfect for a Thanksgiving display. These are rare and hard to find in such a large size. An American folk art piece and women's art.

24 1/2" x 21" x 1 1/8"
21 1/2" x 18" inside the frame

Tinsel paintings are reverse paintings on glass with smooth or crumpled metallic foil applied behind translucent and transparent areas; when viewed in candlelight or gaslight, the effect was one of shimmering highlights. In the first half of the 19th century, tinsel painting was taught to young women whose parents were dedicated to providing refined education for their daughters and paid for such special classes. By the mid- to late 19th century, the art had expanded outside the school curriculum, and instructions proliferated in books and were advertised in women’s magazines. Its origins are related to forms developed in Renaissance Italy, 18th-century China and France, and 19th-century Austria, England, and Germany. Floral imagery predominates, as botanical copy prints and patterns were often employed. Especially appealing today are rare works that combine a variety of techniques and materials, including photography and collage. See less