Allan_Katz_Americana_II

HARVEST TIME Frame made of hand notched and individually layered wood. Decorated with flowers, wheat, birds, snakes, hearts, all together in perfect harmony. The large heart contains a secret picture frame compartment. Measures: 52" H x 33" W x 3½" D STARSTRUCK Exuberant hand notched and layered frame topped by a basket of flowers. This piece explodes like fireworks with stars and hearts. Measures: 43" H x 33" W x 4¼" D MASTERFULLY MADE FRAMES / MIRRORS Artist: Freeland Tanner (b. 1953) Historically, Penny and I have had occasion to include unusual pieces of vintage “Tramp Art” in our inventory. We admire the works by late-nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century artists who allowed their imaginations to run wild, creating notched and carved pieces that are truly unique and “over the top.” Several years ago while participating in The San Francisco Fall Antiques Show, we met landscape designer and artist Freeland Tanner and his wife Sabrina. They invited us to visit his studio in Napa Valley to view art pieces that he created using the notched technique of tramp art; however, he did not want his works to be viewed as tramp art but rather inspired by tramp art. From the first visit we developed a fascination with “Free’s” exuberant works and a lasting friendship with the Tanners. We also purchased some of Freeland’s most accomplished outpourings. We recognized Freeland as an artist who has improved upon a more traditional art form and made it his own. He has added new concepts, imaginative designs, and skilled precise workmanship to his creations, which is apparent in the two frames we are offering in this catalog. We have never before sold contemporary art and this is not a path we are exploring for our gallery. Rather, we have been so impressed with Freeland’s masterful pieces that we feel compelled to share them with you. THE FLIGHT OF THE FAST MAIL American. Signed and dated “G. O. Widner, Buffalo, N.Y., 1872.” Oil on canvas on panel. Measures: 46½" H x 48¼" W (in frame) The Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway ran from Buffalo, New York, along the Lake Shore to Cleveland, Ohio, and back to Buffalo. G. O. Widner was a sign painter and fireman who worked for the railroad. There are two known versions of this painting; the one is pictured here and the other version is in the collection of Greenfield Village and Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn, Michigan. In 1875, the railway commissioned lithographer H. M. Clay to make a print that was based on the original paintings by G. O. Widner. In the print version, which was made for widespread distribution, the woman’s skirt was lowered to the ground so that her ankle would not be exposed. The Masonic emblem was added below the engine’s number 317. The railway ceased operations around 1890. EAGLE PLAQUE American. Maine. Anonymous maker. Carved wood with original paint decoration. Circa 1915. Measures: 12" H x 48" W Condition: One stress crack in banner. This eagle plaque is an expression of patriotism and freemasonry. The maker was most likely a Mason who may very well have made this piece for his lodge (note Masonic symbol on banner). Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that began in the sixteenth or seventeenth century and currently exists worldwide, with membership estimated to be around six million with just under two million members in the United States. TRADE SIGN: DEALER IN CATTLE American. Westminster, Maryland. Signed “S. V. Bankert.” Double sided, paint decorated wood with iron. It retains its original dry surface. Metal brackets have been replaced. Circa 1880. Measures: 23½" H (29" with brackets) x 41¾" L This trade sign came to market through a Bankert Family Sale in Carroll County, Westminster, Maryland. The 1880 census from Carroll County, lists the following: “Adam Bankert, age 34: Dealer in Cattle.” “Samuel V. Bankert, age 40 and wife, age 29: Occupation ‘Furniture Store’.” It is rare to have detailed documentation about a particular trade sign. WEIGHT LIFTER American. Anonymous artist. Cast iron with its original polychrome painted surface. Circa 1900. Measures: 11" H x 5¼" W x 2¼" D A powerful rendering of a weight lifter. This piece has “IT.” GORILLA American. Anonymous maker. Carved and painted wood with applied tree bark, plastic leaves, and small stones. Circa 1930. Measures: 14" H x 12" W x 7½" D A whimsical yet compelling sculpture.