This wonderful miniature watercolor is dated September 16, 1825, and titled “The Little Merchants” with p. 97 written at lower right, which makes me think perhaps it was a manuscript illustration—and how I would love to see that manuscript if so! (I have not taken it out of the frame, but it does look like there is some writing on the flip side just barely showing though along the bottom.) This man in pink jacket and yellow pants I think could not be better, with one basket at his elbow and another balanced on his head! The other looks to be taking a rest from his labor, with some sort of cultivating or harvesting tool in hand. Rocky shore and sea and sailboats behind them, and some structures in the distance, one looking like a fort set high atop a cliff. The color is terrifc on this, super vivid, and it is perfectly housed in an antique lemon gold frame, just right.
4 7/8” x 5 3/4” framed. Sight” 3 5/8” x 4 1/2”. Excellent condition, wood panel back, with a string for hanging.
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