AMER AUGUST 2015
The live portion of this session begins on Monday, August 24, 2015.
MASSIVE ELEPHANT FOLIO ENGRAVING OF FRANKLIN'S RECEPTION AT THE COURT OF FRANCE, 1778 ALONG WITH TWO COMMEMORATIVE CERAMIC PITCHERS AND ONE SUGAR BOWL.1) Engraved by W.O. Geller of London after Baron Jolly, Brussels, copyright by William Jay, Charles Hardenberg and William H. Emerson, Philadelphia, 1881. Elephant folio, 41" x 29" visible. A very rare, uncolored highly detailed engraving. "AN AMERICAN IN PARIS". This exceptional, oversize print shows the newly arrived American minister Franklin in simple Quaker dress (as opposed to the resplendent finery of the courtiers), receiving a laurel leaf from the hands of Diane, Countess de Polignac. In a splendid interior with candelabra and drapery are assembled 16 prominent members of the court including King Louis XVI (1774-1793), Marie Antionette, the Comte de Vergennes (a signatory with Franklin of the crucial treaty of alliance), Duchesse Jules de Polignac, Princesse Lamballe, Mme. Campan, and a host of Counts, Countesses and ladies-in-waiting. The occasion depicted is the court celebration of the signing of the long-awaited Treaty of Alliance and Commerce, signed February 16, 1778, which authorized overt French assistance to the beleagured American colonies in their war against Britain. 2) 4-1/4" h, jasper ware pitcher having a bust of Washington and Lafayette, dark cream ground with white decoration. 3) 4-1/2" h, jasper ware pitcher having a bust of Washington and Lafayette, blue ground with white decoration. 4) A 5-3/4" h, covered sugar bowl, with brown bust of George Washington, and Presidential seal, shown on the side in blue highlighted arches. SIZE: As noted above. PROVENANCE: From the personal estate collection of John W. Armiger Jr. CONDITION: 1) Very good to fine, some darkening. Not examined out of frame. 2) Spout with chip, otherwise good. 3) Repaired spout otherwise very good. 4) Cover probably a later addition, small chips, glaze cracking, good. 49055-21 JS (800-1,200)