WORTHINGTON FINE ART GALLERIES

Very rare original 19th Century antique ink drawing on paper by G.B. Pampel | Circa 1856 | This hand drawn manuscript depicts the U.S. Presidents in a wreath.  The ornate drawing depicts an eagle flying over an wreath decorated with ribbons, flowers, leaves, and grasses. White cards surround the wreath; each card has the name of a United States president, their home state, and their years of service listed in fanciful calligraphy. A portrait of George Washington is drawn at the top of the wreath. The piece ends with an incomplete card that reads “16th Abraham Lincoln, Illinois, 1861 to” — it appears the artist died or gave up on the piece during Lincoln’s time in office. A blank card sits after Lincoln’s name, hinting that the artist intended this to be a piece-in-progress that he would continue as new presidents were elected.

The piece is signed “Designed and written with a Steel Pin by G. B. Pampel 1856” in a ribbon that waves across the top of the image. The piece is presented behind glass in a simple wooden frame | Measures 20.5″ x 25.5″ | Good condition considering age, has some yellowing and foxing with few tears – none of which deflect from the historical value of the manuscript.