Dallas Public Library

Expressions of innocence and eloquence, selections from the Jane Katcher collection of Americana, editors, Jane Katcher, David A. Schorsch, Ruth Wolfe ; catalog by David A. Schorsch, Eileen M. Smiles ; photography by Gavin Ashworth ; essays by Jean M. Burks [and others]

eng

Includes bibliographical references and indexes

contains biographical information

illustrations

index present

non fiction

Expressions of innocence and eloquence

bibliographycatalogs

1062076207

editors, Jane Katcher, David A. Schorsch, Ruth Wolfe ; catalog by David A. Schorsch, Eileen M. Smiles ; photography by Gavin Ashworth ; essays by Jean M. Burks [and others]

selections from the Jane Katcher collection of Americana

American folk art and decorative arts from the early years of the Republic are telling indicators of family traditions, aesthetic values, and household customs of the young nation. Showing us how creative and consumer cultures from the old world were transformed in the new, Expressions of Innocence and Eloquence presents more than two hundred examples of American folk art and decorative arts created in New England, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia in the 18th and 19th centuries. Drawn from the extraordinary Jane Katcher Collection, the book features familiar expressions of American folk art - portraits and carvings, quilts and needlework, weathervanes and whirligigs, family records and calligraphy, ceramics, furniture, baskets, and toys - as well as the unexpected - valentines, friendship albums, and keepsakes woven from the hair of loved ones. A distinguished group of scholars discuss these objects within the context of historical, economic, and social issues as well as aesthetics. There are also explorations of craft methods and artistic strategies practiced by the artists and artisans represented in the collection. Separate essays on the Shaker and the Pennsylvania-German communities concentrate on the unique features of their material cultures and their religious and social orientations. With more than 100 previously unpublished works, this generously illustrated book is essential for anyone interested in American folk art or decorative arts

Some thoughts on collecting / Jane Katcher -- Humanizing the mundane / Robert Shaw -- Folk portraits / Paul S. D'Ambrosio -- Two masterworks by John Brewster, Jr. / Paul S. D'Ambrosio -- Records of life / Richard Miller -- Four portraits by Sheldon Peck / Richard Miller -- United as this heart you see : memories of friendship and family / Robert Shaw -- Portraits of children / Robin Jaffee Frank -- Made for children's use / Erin Eisenbarth -- Academy and school work / Robert Shaw -- The American Windsor style / Charles Santore -- Painted furniture : from plain to fancy / Patricia E. Kane -- Boxes and baskets / Robert Shaw -- Surfaces of illusion : mocha and spatter wares / Robert Hunter -- Folk sculpture : for diversion and utility / Richard Miller -- Shaker products and principles : a study in beauty and belief / Jean M. Burks -- The art of becoming Americans : observations on Pennsylvania-German folk art / Scott T. Swank -- Jacob Strickler's cupboard / Philip Zea -- Catalog of the collection / David A. Schorsch, Eileen M. Smiles