Pure delight finding this one, at a little show in Malden, MA benefitting their historical society. Of course it is all about this fluffy green-eyed kitten in its bright pink bow, but it is also very much about the provenance preserved on the back of the frame, with note : To Lilith Isabel from Grandma, April 6, 1916, taped at center, and then Grandma identified as Elizabeth Harding Beckwith, and her parents and grandparents also identified, with more details. I've found a definitive record for Elizabeth (1847–1923) and her husband too, who lived in New Brunswick, Canada and later Quincy, MA. And it strikes me--In just the past month I've found three folk art pieces done in the 1910s-20s, specifically, by women late in life as gifts for younger members of the family, all with handwritten provenance--I presume the experience of WW1 informed some of this concern with history and preservation, and this is certainly how it should be done! And even more so, these women, who would have grown up making things, happily continued to make things throughout their lives -- this kitten infused with lots of life indeed!
Original frame, as found: 13" x 10 5/8". Sight 8 1/2" x 6 3/8". All in very good condition.
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