Sign of the Pine Tree
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Joseph Read III
American, born 1709
MakerMaker
Unknown
Date1768
MediumPaint on pine board, iron hardware
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width including hardware): 49 3/8 x 23in. (125.4 x 58.4cm)
Other (height x width of sign only): 42 x 23in. (106.7 x 58.4cm)
Other (height x width of sign only): 42 x 23in. (106.7 x 58.4cm)
ClassificationsPainting
Credit LineCollection of Morgan B. Brainard. Gift of Mrs. Morgan B. Brainard
DescriptionImages: on both sides: a round disc, centered in pediment, over stylized pine tree, centered on board; no underlying layers.
Construction: Single board, fielded on both sides, set vertically into grooves of the joined frame. Horizontal rails have integral pediment and skirt (e.g., vertical extensions, which are hand-sawn to create decorative profiles). The frame construction is conceptually flawed. The vertical stiles are tenoned through the top and bottom rails, thus reversing the nearly universal practice of horizontal rails tenoned into stiles (see fig. 16). Consequently, the entire weight of panel, stiles, and bottom rail rests on the wooden pins that secure the vertical tenons into the rails. Straps from the hanging hardware reinforced the top joint, but the lower joints required reinforcement at a later date.
Surface: This sign displays only one layer of paint on each side. Its original color scheme featured yellow suns, bright green trees, yellow suns, and white lettering set off by a barn-red background. Laboratory examination revealed that the pigment used for the trees was a copper-based verdigris, which has oxidized to black or brown, leaving traces of green only in tiny surface fissures. The absence of any repainting suggests that this sign was probably in use for only a short period.
Construction: Single board, fielded on both sides, set vertically into grooves of the joined frame. Horizontal rails have integral pediment and skirt (e.g., vertical extensions, which are hand-sawn to create decorative profiles). The frame construction is conceptually flawed. The vertical stiles are tenoned through the top and bottom rails, thus reversing the nearly universal practice of horizontal rails tenoned into stiles (see fig. 16). Consequently, the entire weight of panel, stiles, and bottom rail rests on the wooden pins that secure the vertical tenons into the rails. Straps from the hanging hardware reinforced the top joint, but the lower joints required reinforcement at a later date.
Surface: This sign displays only one layer of paint on each side. Its original color scheme featured yellow suns, bright green trees, yellow suns, and white lettering set off by a barn-red background. Laboratory examination revealed that the pigment used for the trees was a copper-based verdigris, which has oxidized to black or brown, leaving traces of green only in tiny surface fissures. The absence of any repainting suggests that this sign was probably in use for only a short period.
Object number1961.63.42
InscribedOn side 1, below image, "Entertainment: For/ Man & Hors"; on apron, "1768". Side 2 differs only in having a period after "Hors.", but no colon after "Entertainment". No underlying layers.NotesHistorical Note: Original location. Read's tavern may have been located at what was still known as the "Read homestead" as late as 1868, on the road east of Newent center. Period references suggest that Read's tavern was less important than the one operated by Benjamin Burnham, located on more heavily traveled Norwich road.Collections
- Tavern and Inn Signs
On View
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