Pa. German Painted Chest

Frances Lichten

c. 1938

Pa. German Painted Chest by Frances Lichten, c. 1938

Step back into 1930s America, where artist Frances Lichten was on a mission to save vanishing folk traditions. This watercolor study documents a stunning Pennsylvania German chest, bursting with symbolic motifs like twin lions, blooming tulips, and floating hearts. The original chest, likely from the late 1700s, was a prized possession for storing dowries or treasures, and Lichten's meticulous brushwork captures every rustic detail. It's a beautiful snapshot of history, preserving the vibrant craftsmanship of early American settlers before it could be forgotten.

Technique
Watercolor
Material
Paper

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