AMERICAN FOLK ART PATRIOTIC SCHERENSCHNITTE / CUT-WORK PICTURE, a fine example with watercolor highlights, featuring a spread-wing eagle impaling a serpent with overall foliate background bearing 13-star American National flag and legend below inscribed "VICTORY", all against a dark blue ground, retains an old ink-inscribed note applied to backing board verso "Cut by a British / Prisoner of war evidently / to while away the time in / 1812 / Brought to Richmond by an / old James River captain from / whose wife it came to me - Margaret Dashiell." Housed under glass in a 19th century mahogany veneered frame with gilt sight edge. Circa 1845. 7 3/4" x 12 1/4" sight, 12 1/2" x 17" OA.
Catalogue Note: While some of the information regarding origin in the note attached to the present cut-work picture is likely incorrect, it does establish a Richmond, Virginia history of ownership. Interestingly, Margaret Dashiell (1869-1958), the author of the aforementioned note, was a New Orleans-born artist and writer who spent her entire adult life in Richmond, Virginia. Her work is represented in the Valentine Museum and The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in that same city. The actual cut-work itself likely dates from around the time of Texas Annexation (1845) and the Mexican War (1846-1848) when patriotic sentiment was strong.

The important collection of H. Marshall Goodman Jr., Richmond, VA.

Very good overall condition with minor toning and discoloration. Frame with moderate wear and losses to veneers.