Boston Painting Oil Faneuil Hall on Board Boston Quincy Market Massachusetts Antique papier-mâché 1850s

On offer mid 19th century oil on papier-mâché depicting an 1839 view of Faneuil Hall in Boston. This unusual perspective on Faneuil Hall is focused on the backside of the building with long views towards Quincy Market, and a frontal view of a since demolished early pilgrim structure. This piece is composed of delicate washes of oil paint over mother of pearl that was set into papier-mâché -- originally light glimmered in the windows, reflected off the mother of pearl through the light oil washes. This was created as the cover for an early photographic album, and for this reason it has four mother of pearl balls, one at each corner, in order to protect the surface of the painting from damage. Though this piece is much worn, it is remarkable that is survived at all, and is a very rare example of painting of this quality on papier-mâché. Faneuil Hall delicately noted lower right. Figures cross the square, and gold is used to pick out details throughout. Truly beautifully painted.

SIZE: T 9" x W 12"

CONDITION: Presents well, with overall craquelure, areas of wear to the surface throughout, chips to edges, as shown.

If you have any questions or are interested in the piece, please do not hesitate to contact me. New items are often posted to Instagram first, @NickHausShop