Ann S. Bedell Fraktur Portrait AND 1851 Marriage Certificate with Hair Locks

Regular price $325.00

Last week it was an Esther whose 19th century watercolor self portrait I feel in love with, this week it is Ann Bedell, portrayed in this wonderful mid 19th century ink Fraktur drawing.  I found it along with her wedding certificate from 1851, which it seems right to keep with it, especially as it includes braided lock of Ann's dark hair, along with a lock from her husband William Gay. The two were married in the town of New Baltimore, Green County, NY, which about midway between Albany and Hudson. Written in pencil on the back of the certificate is a note that Ann was born in 1827.

The drawing just melts me, and I think it very likely portrays Ann on her wedding day (wedding photos would not have been possible!), in this wonderful dress, hoops dangling from her ears, dramatic necklace, and huge bloom in hand. And then this face, like a sun, framed with a halo of what I assume are braids, one of which was clipped to add to the marriage certificate! Pretty special!

The drawing sold as found, nicely framed in an antique gold painted wooden frame, which measures 5 3/4"x5 3/8" x 1 1/4". The wedding certificate sold as found in an antique wooden frame that shows surface cracking, but is useful at least for now in protecting the hair. Frame measures 14 1/4" x 10 1/4". Certificate itself measures 10 1/8" x 8".  Both the drawing and the marriage certificate are in very good condition, with some toning around the edges of the drawing likely from its original frame or storage.