Paintings
American Watercolor of “California Volunteers”
c. 1847-48, American Watercolor of “California Volunteers,” by Charles Shoettel, NY, Choice Very Fine.
This is a nice watercolor depiction of volunteer soldiers prepared to fight in the U.S.-Mexico War, c. 1847-48, attributed to Charles Shoettel of New York. The painting is framed to 5.25” x 7.25”, and features bright, detailed images of uniformed soldiers. The war was a momentous conflict of the mid-19th century, and thousands of Americans volunteered to fight in it. Approximately 75,000 men enlisted in volunteer regiments, and this watercolor vividly illustrates a regiment from California. This watercolor is found in the album of Charles Shoettel, and was bound by John Walker, of New York City. The album was passed down by members of John D. Ottiwell’s family--Ottiwell served in the 7th regiment of NYC volunteers and was a delegate to the 1868 Republican Convention. The album remained the property of the family until April 2002, and now, collectors of Western historical memorabilia have the opportunity to own an original watercolor from that album!