Lot 489
13 Star Handsewn Flag After Pierre l'Enfant Design, Early 19th Century. A 13-star American National Flag from the first quarter of the 19th century. The flag is constructed of one layer of silk fabric. The blue silk canton measures 11¼" on the hoist and 14" on the fly and rests on the eighth (white) stripe. The 13 stars are applied with a gold pigment, possibly gold leaf, and are configured in an oval pattern. The fly consists of 13 red and white silk stripes that measure 1 3/8" to 1¾" in width on the obverse.Height: 21¼ x 33"; framed: 27 x 39".
In 1793, French architect and civil engineer, Pierre L'Enfant, who fought in the American Revolution and is best known for designing Washington, D.C., was asked to design the first membership certificate of the Society of the Cincinnati. His illustration included a flag bearing 13 stars in an oval pattern. This flag follows his design precisely.
This flag was loaned to the Society of the Cincinnati in 2003 and displayed at Anderson House in Washington, D.C. It is also pictured in The Stars and the Stripes by Boleslaw and Marie-Louise D'Otrange Mastai.
A textile analysis by Fonda Thomsen is included.
Buyer responsible for third party shipping. Call to make arrangements.
Estimated Value $6,000 - 8,000.
Ex. The Claude Harkins Collection of Americana; Sotheby's, Oct. 10, 2002, lot 51- Boleslaw and Marie-Louise d'Otrange Mastai Collection.
|
| |
| Realized $10,148 |
