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Description
Original Pennsylvania German Fraktur-style watercolor and ink painting by American folk artist Joan Raab (1929–1999), depicting an elaborately decorated birth …
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Original Pennsylvania German Fraktur-style watercolor and ink painting by American folk artist Joan Raab (1929–1999), depicting an elaborately decorated birth record for Anna Baringer, born May 3, 1830, in Hereford Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania. Executed circa 1970s, the work combines traditional German calligraphy with stylized tulips, flowers, leafy vines and geometric borders in a rich palette of red, ochre yellow, green and black.
The composition follows the Pennsylvania German tradition of illuminated family records known as Fraktur, in which important events such as births and baptisms were recorded within highly decorative calligraphic and floral designs. Raab specialized in watercolor interpretations of historic Pennsylvania German Fraktur and was also associated with the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen as a juried member. Documented examples of her work employ intentionally distressed paper and painted wood frames to evoke early Pennsylvania manuscripts.
This example records the birth of Anna Baringer to Jacob Baringer and Barbara, née Landert, and identifies Hereford Township in Berks County, Pennsylvania. Beneath the birth record is a German devotional verse ending with the date May 20, 1839. A period-style English translation of the inscription accompanies the work.
Painted in watercolor and ink on paper that Raab intentionally toned and distressed to suggest the character of an early 19th-century document. Presented under glass in a substantial faux-grained painted wood frame whose mottled brown surface complements the Pennsylvania folk-art palette.
Signed “Raab” at lower right.
Sight: 13.25"H × 9"W
Framed: 17"H × 12"W
COLLECTOR'S NOTE
What makes this especially appealing is that Raab wasn't merely borrowing the flowers and hearts associated with Pennsylvania German decoration. She was recreating the appearance of an entire historic document—calligraphy, family history, devotional text, decorative borders and the aged character of the paper. The reference to Hereford Township and Berks County gives this example an unusually specific Pennsylvania connection.
#0900Mcatcpk38
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- Dimensions
- 12ʺW × 1ʺD × 17ʺH
- Frame Type
- Framed
- Period
- 1970s
- Country of Origin
- United States
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Glass
- Paper
- Watercolor
- Wood
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Tan
- Condition Notes
- Very good vintage condition. The watercolor and ink remain strong and well defined. The paper exhibits intentional toning, simulated staining, … moreVery good vintage condition. The watercolor and ink remain strong and well defined. The paper exhibits intentional toning, simulated staining, discoloration and other distressed effects applied by the artist to recreate the appearance and patina of an early Pennsylvania German Fraktur; these are inherent to the original artistic treatment and should not be mistaken for later water damage. Painted wood frame shows light surface wear and variation consistent with its intentionally aged folk-art finish. Presented under glass. less
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