Pa. German Stove Plate
c. 1936
Edward L. Loper’s detailed sketch captures the rustic charm of a Pennsylvania German stove plate, originally cast in 1764. The design is a treasure trove of colonial folk art, featuring a radiant sun with a human face beaming down over twisted columns, hearts, and tulips—the latter being a beloved symbol in Germanic culture. These heavy iron plates served a practical purpose as the back wall of 'five-plate stoves,' radiating heat into homes while showing off the owner's style. Created in the 1930s, likely during a period of historic documentation, this drawing preserves the texture of an object that kept early Americans warm.
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