Sign for Butler's Inn
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Benjamin Butler
(American, 1751 - 1813)
MediumWood and paint with iron hardware
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x depth, oval shape): 50 x 35 5/8 x 2 5/8in. (127 x 90.5 x 6.7cm)
ClassificationsPainting
Credit LineThe Newman S. Hungerford Museum Fund
Object number2005.124.0
DescriptionTwo-sided, oval-shaped tavern sign with a banded boarder enclosing a painted panel. The words "A Bird in the Hand is Worth two in the Bush" are painted in the border curving over the top of the oval. The name "E. Butler" is painted in the border curving around the bottom of the oval; part of the name "Benjamin" is still visible under the paint layer with the current name. In the right foreground of the painted panel, a hand grasps a bird with red, black, and white plummage. In the left foreground, extending all the way to the top of the painted panel, is a tree with two more birds. In the background, the landscape slopes down a hill toward pine trees. An iron ring hanger is mounted on each side of the frame, about fifteen inches from the top.
Collections
Label TextLike the two other signs in the collection, this sign features the maxim “A Bird in the Hand is Worth two in the Bush.” In addition to the image of a hand grasping a bird, two birds “in the bush” (or, more accurately, in the tree) are also depicted, as is a sloping, hilly landscape with pine trees. Two layers of innkeepers’ names are also slightly visible.
Status
On view
