I have never been overly charmed by folk art. Folk craft, yes, sometimes. But I always have preferred a little more academic rigor in the paintings and drawings I have collected. So, when I purchased this picture some twenty years ago, I bought it solely for the gilded Nineteenth Century frame—not for the painting. I intended to use it to reframe a (preferred) painting or print some day. I stored-away the frame (and its picture) amongst my collection of frames-in-waiting.
For the past few years, I have been one of forty dealers at the Antique Center of Strabane, in Canonsburg, about 20 miles south of Pittsburgh. Being more-removed from urban life (and closer to West Virginia), the clientele seems to prefer a "country" look. In fact, the antique center has developed a reputation for presenting an excellent array of "primitives" and other "countrified" merchandise: painted furniture, crocks, quilts, kitchenalia, and, yes, primitive artwork.
So, as I slowly unpacked the stash of boxed-up merchandise (after moving from Manhattan), I rediscovered this frame and decided to give the painting another chance. I am now showing it in my stall at the Antique Center and I have it here on my website as well. Please click the photo above to learn more about it.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
We also can be found in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania at The Antique Center of Strabane (www.antiquecenterofstrabane.com).
Or call to arrange to visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only). 917-446-4248