IMPORTANT 19TH CENTURY CARVED WOOD CIGAR STORE INDIAN FIGURE OF METAMORA

C. 1860. An exceptional American carved wood tobacconist figure depicting the celebrated nineteenth-century actor Edwin Forrest (1806–1872) in his theatrical portrayal of Metamora, from the 1829 production Metamora; or, The Last of the Wampanoags. Standing 84" tall, the figure is expertly carved from longleaf yellow pine and displays remarkable detail throughout the facial features, elaborate feathered headdress, draped garments, ornamental sash, and fringed costume, with a rifle held in the left hand and the name “METAMORA” prominently inscribed across the base. The composition closely follows Nathaniel Currier’s mid-nineteenth-century lithograph of Forrest in the role. Although the identity of the carver remains unknown, the quality of execution and Philadelphia theatrical associations suggest the possibility of a connection to the city's accomplished nineteenth-century woodcarving tradition, including the workshop of William Rush. Conservator Peter Deen, who examined and performed minor conservation work on the figure, documented its unusual longleaf yellow pine construction, exceptionally crisp carving, and largely undisturbed weathered surface. Formerly in the collection of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Haskell, the figure was gifted to the Brandywine Museum of Art in 1979 and subsequently deaccessioned. It is illustrated in Ralph Sessions' The Shipcarvers' Art, pages 98–99. An important and historically significant example of American nineteenth-century figural woodcarving, combining theatrical history, tobacconist advertising, and exceptional sculptural craftsmanship. CONDITION: Remarkable original unrestored appearance with extensive weathering and loss of the original painted surface from prolonged exposure to the elements. Small remnants of original paint remain, particularly on the reverse. The rifle hammer and fingers of the proper left hand are replacements, as documented by conservator Peter Deen. Age-related checking, separations, and surface wear throughout, with exceptionally well-preserved carved detail. Overall very good condition considering age, construction, and historic outdoor exposure.

Condition: (Very Good).