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Figure of a Violin Player, c. 1850-1865

Offered by: Jeffrey Tillou Antiques

Description
American, probably New York.

This rare and possibly unique carving of a street performer playing a violin shares many qualities and characteristics to the works of Charles Dodge, New York (1806-1886). The Violin Player closely relates to the carving of Jim Crow attributed to Dodge now in the collection of The Shelburne Museum. The tattered clothes, to include the holes in the shoes and hat, the construction of the laminated pieces of wood and quality of the carving are similar to that of Jim Crow. The stylization and movement of both pieces are also closely related. The Violin Player is finished with both paint and varnish similar to other works by Dodge. The provenance of the piece is equally as important to support the origin of the piece. It was originally discovered at the turn of the century in a music shop in lower Manhattan. It was perhaps used as a counter top display figure. It has remained in the same private family collection to the present date.

Provenance:
This piece has remained in a private collection in Connecticut for several generations.

More Information

Origin:	United States, New York
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	White pine, (identified by microanalysis).
Condition:	Excellent.
Creation Date:	Circa 1850-1865
Styles / Movements:	Folk Art, Americana, Traditional
Dealer Reference #:	FA-SO 044
Incollect Reference #:	93676

Dimensions

W.	12 in;	H.	38 in;	D.	12.63 in;
W.	30.48 cm;	H.	96.52 cm;	D.	32.08 cm;

Message from Seller:

Jeffrey Tillou Antiques was established in 1992. The three story historic building located “on the green” in Litchfield, features an extensive inventory of Americana from the 18th and early 19th centuries. Here you will find an extraordinary collection of furniture, folk art, weathervanes, sculpture, Oriental carpets, and related decorative pieces as well as distinctive European furniture and original works of art.