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Earliest Known Work in America, dated 1819
By an Unknown Artist in Pennsylvania

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Earliest Known Dated Pokerwork Panel By an unknown artist, Pennsylvania, 1819 Poker work and color on wood panel, 12.25 in. by 9 in. Digital image thanks to Douglas Schneible

Earliest Known Dated Pyroengraved Panel Detail of the lower left, showing the date (1819) and partial view of the figure of the gentleman By an unknown artist, Pennsylvania, 1819 Poker work and color on wood panel, 12.25 in. by 9 in. Digital image thanks to Douglas Schneible

Earliest Known Dated Pyroengraved Panel Back of the panel By an unknown artist, Pennsylvania, 1819 Poker work and color on wood panel, 12.25 in. by 9 in. Digital image thanks to Douglas Schneible

Earliest Known Dated Pyroengraved Panel Detail, the figure of the lady By an unknown artist, Pennsylvania, 1819 Poker work and color on wood panel, 12.25 in. by 9 in. Digital image thanks to Douglas Schneible

Ethnographic art dealer and antique pyrography collector Douglas Schneible in Charlotte, Vermont acquired somewhat recently the above piece, believed to be the earliest dated pyrographic work produced in America.

This painted and pyroengraved panel is a delightful example of authentic Early American folkloric art. The naïve design is rendered in pokerwork and painted; the depiction of a couple of that period tending a flowering tree is a symmetrical composition very much in the decorative folk art tradition of Pennsylvania German (also called Pennsylvania Dutch in the vernacular). This unique piece was part of the Carole and Richard Smyth collection and was pictured and described on page 7 in their well known book The Burning Passion. Their collection was recently put up for auction when the couple decided to leave America and return to England.

Douglas Schneible has an extensive website The Arts & Crafts Gallery featuring his fine collection of antique pyrographic works and history along with his ethnographic art and artifacts.

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If you have any questions or any information regarding this Early American work, please e-mail Douglas Schneible and the E-Museum Curator.

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Earliest Known, Dated Pokerwork Panel in America

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