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Exceptional "Remember the Maine" Tribute Piece, 1903

Offered by: Allan Katz Americana

Description
Signed twice on reverse: the inside plaque "Made by Henry Heimbach, Dec. 14, 1903;" the outside frame "Made by Henry Heimbach, February 1905."

This skillful tribute, which was several years in the making, is an homage to the "Spanish American War." The inner plaque recalls the infamous sinking of the Battleship Maine, which officially forced the United States to declare war with Spain. The outer frame has a marvelous assortment of iconology. The top section reveals a group of four "Rough Riders" on horseback. They surround stylized American Flags and Eagles. The two side panels portray what appear to be Spanish Military Officers with "forked tongues" who are issuing orders to their troops, represented as the hapless clown "Punchinello." The bottom section depicts United States troops neatly dressed and in orderly formation, cannons with mounds of cannon balls, drums, flags, neatly stacked rifles, and a sword. The outer frame also includes vines and swirling motifs. Many of the pieces were carved with a double thickness, providing dimensionality and allowing them to visually "pop" off the frame.

More Information

Origin:	United States
Period:	1900-1919
Materials:	Carved, hand sawed, and constructed pine. Paint and stain decorated.
Condition:	Excellent.
Creation Date:	Dec. 14, 1903
Styles / Movements:	Folk Art, Americana
Incollect Reference #:	95548

Dimensions

W.	35.25 in;	H.	38 in;	D.	2.5 in;
W.	89.54 cm;	H.	96.52 cm;	D.	6.35 cm;

Message from Seller:

A passionate collector and a successful and respected dealer in early American advertising since 1973, Allan expanded this passion to include collecting period American folk art and Americana. He subsequently became a dealer in this material in 1985. Allan has earned a reputation, in both the dealer and collector communities, as being an authority in this subject matter, for having extensive knowledge, a keen eye for the material and a love for this exciting American art form.