Harder and harder to find early schoolgirl watercolor drawings like this, so total delight when I do, and this a very wonderful example, c. 1850, signed by a young Arrilla [I believe] Bisbee, who I have not found, but I'm sure of New England; the first Bisbee (Besbeach) arrived in Plymouth Colony in 1635 and there are many Brisbee's around these parts. Anyway, just the perfect combination of bold form, strong color, and completely delightful detail --the wavering green lines of the cloud-like leafy sprigs, and the tiny dashes all over the body of the bright yellow bird animate it in the most full of life way and lend a certain feeling of fineness too. A million times better in hand, with a fantastic presence, and just the whole package--original/period frame with original blown glass showing a few bubbles here and there, which I think makes a big difference on a work like this. I say this often, but it's especially true here--I'd be very very very pleased to live with this one forever.
8 1/2" x 7 3/8" framed. Very good condition, many times better in hand, feels bright and very full of life, color rich and strong, original/period frame with recently rematted back, wired for hanging. One area near the base of the tree trunk that appears to show an old tear, I presume mended from reverse--truly not at all detracting in hand.
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