Object Number 1957.1209 A

Object Name

Fraktur (Birth and baptismal certificate)

Title

Birth and baptismal certificate (Geburts und Taufschein) of Johann Adam Griechbaum

Category

Works on Paper

Credit Line/Donor

Bequest of Henry Francis du Pont

Creator (Role)

Johann Conrad Trevits (Scrivener and decorator)
September 11, 1751-1830
References: Earnest, Papers for Birth Dayes, pp. 418-22; Evans, "Documented Fraktur in the Winterthur Collection: Part II," Magazine Antiques, pp. 542-43. Trevits took the oath of allegiance to the British Crown on October 25, 1773, and enlisted in the Revolutionary armies in 1778. Following the war, Trevits produced a large number of fraktur. His work is distinguished by his use of an open-ended heart, pear-shaped flowers, and birds whose beaks touch nearby leaves. He is also known for his sloppy execution (both in design and writing). (See Earnest, p. 419.) Previously called the Weak Artist, until identified by a Revoutionary War pension application housed in the National Archives submitted with a Taufschein the applicant claimed was by Trevits.

Place of Origin

Bethel Township, Berks, Pennsylvania, Mid-Atlantic, United States, North America

Origin Notes

Primary creation place is birthplace on certificate. Trevits also lived in Berks County at this time.

Date

1780-1800

Materials

Ink; Watercolor; Paper (laid)

Techniques

Drawn, Hand colored, Hand lettered, Painted

Dimensions (inches)

8.3 (H) , 13.4 (W) , 8.1 (Image H) , 13.3 (Image W)

Dimensions (centimeters)

21.1 (H) , 34 (W) , 8.1 (Image H) , 13.3 (Image W)

Measurement Notes

H at left. W at bottom. Chain intervals: 2.5-2.6 cm; 9-10 laid lines per cm.

Watermark

Center: Tulip with stem and leaves

Coloring

Hand colored with watercolors

Edition Notes

Watermark of Abraham Keller, Exeter Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania. (See Gravell #443.)

Object Description

Text available soon.

Bibliography and Bibliographic Notes

[Book] Hutchins, Catherine E., et al. 1983 Arts of the Pennsylvania Germans.
• Published as fig. 230, pp. 240-41.
[Book] Earnest, Russell D. & Earnest, Corinne P. 1997 Papers for Birth Dayes: Guide to the Fraktur Artists and Scriveners. 2 vols. 909.
• Published on p. 763.