1. Material:
  2. metal (543)

bird picture

Creator:
unknown
Location:
unknown place made
Origin Date:
1840-1860
Materials:
metal, wood, glass
Measurements:
overall: 5 in x 5 in
Item ID:
71.2009.082.0570
Holding Institution:
Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection, courtesy of the Indiana State Museum
Available for Viewing:
No
Category:
Fine Art

Description

Decorative bird picture features a wooden frame with a circular well in the center that is trimmed in copper; a nature motif is crafted within the well. A brown tree with green leaves is handpainted against a white background. Two birds with beaded eyes and painted beaks are constructed from blue, green, and red feathers. One bird is perched on a tree branch hovering over a nest, while the other bird forages for food on the ground below the tree. A piece of convex glass covers the motif. A hanging ring is attached to the top. Newspaper backing is found on the reverse, as well as the number 30 carved into one corner. According to family history, this picture was given to the wife of a fallen soldier by President Abraham Lincoln upon hearing that the soldier's body was never found. Part of the Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection, courtesy of the Indiana State Museum