Description
A rare large tinsel foil art of fruits, vegetables, and florals from the 1930s or older. Looks newly framed. Grapes, pears, watermelon, squash or pumpkin, figs, peaches or apples, and cherries on a black painted surface with a flower garland frame under glass and in a wooden gold frame. Bright and shiny colors. Perfect for a Thanksgiving display. These are rare and hard to find in such a large size. An American folk art piece and women's art.
24 1/2" x 21" x 1 1/8"
21 1/2" x 18" inside the frame
Tinsel paintings are reverse paintings on glass with smooth or crumpled metallic foil applied behind translucent and transparent areas; when viewed in candlelight or gaslight, the effect was one of shimmering highlights. In the first half of the 19th century, tinsel painting was taught to young women whose parents were dedicated to providing refined education for their daughters and paid for such special classes. By the mid- to late 19th century, the art had expanded outside the school curriculum, and instructions proliferated in books and were advertised in women's magazines. Its origins are related to forms developed in Renaissance Italy, 18th-century China and France, and 19th-century Austria, England, and Germany. Floral imagery predominates, as botanical copy prints and patterns were often employed. Especially appealing today are rare works that combine a variety of techniques and materials, including photography and collage.
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Very good vintage condition. Some scuffing to the frame. Glass has some adherence to the black paint typical of tin foil art where the glass is used to preserve the art. See pictures for details
Origin:
United States
Materials & Techniques:
Art Glass, Metal, Ornamental & Decorative Materials, Wood
Details:
Art Subjects: Botanic, Still Life
Frame Type: Framed
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Country of Origin: United States
24 1/2" x 21" x 1 1/8"
21 1/2" x 18" inside the frame
Tinsel paintings are reverse paintings on glass with smooth or crumpled metallic foil applied behind translucent and transparent areas; when viewed in candlelight or gaslight, the effect was one of shimmering highlights. In the first half of the 19th century, tinsel painting was taught to young women whose parents were dedicated to providing refined education for their daughters and paid for such special classes. By the mid- to late 19th century, the art had expanded outside the school curriculum, and instructions proliferated in books and were advertised in women's magazines. Its origins are related to forms developed in Renaissance Italy, 18th-century China and France, and 19th-century Austria, England, and Germany. Floral imagery predominates, as botanical copy prints and patterns were often employed. Especially appealing today are rare works that combine a variety of techniques and materials, including photography and collage.
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Very good vintage condition. Some scuffing to the frame. Glass has some adherence to the black paint typical of tin foil art where the glass is used to preserve the art. See pictures for details
Origin:
United States
Materials & Techniques:
Art Glass, Metal, Ornamental & Decorative Materials, Wood
Details:
Art Subjects: Botanic, Still Life
Frame Type: Framed
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Country of Origin: United States
Condition
Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Very good vintage condition. Some scuffing to the frame. Glass has some adherence to the black paint typical of tin foil art where the glass is used to preserve the art. See pictures for details
Buyer's Premium
20%
Dimensions
21 x 24.5 x 1.25 in
Large Harvest Foil Art From the 1930s
Estimate $750-$1,430
Lot Closed
2 bidders are watching this item
October Wildlife Art & Sculpture Edit
Oct 15, 2026, 4:00 PM EDTNew York, NY, United States
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