Birth and Baptismal Certificate for Wilhelm Stober

Dateca. 1805

Attributed to Andreas von Kessler (active ca. 1805)

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Southeastern

MediumWatercolor and pencil on laid paper

DimensionsPrimary Support: 12 5/8 x 15 1/2in. (32.1 x 39.4cm) and Framed: 16 1/2 x 19in.

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1966.305.9

DescriptionA horizontal format birth and baptismal certificate having a rectangular reserve in the center filled with an inscription and bordered by red, green, and yellow triangles, or sawteeth. To either side, a vertically positioned parrot clutches a thin, sparsely foliated vine. Two large flower blooms face each other at top center, and an inward-facing bird fills each upper corner. A potted plant with long trailing vines fills the lower margin.

The 2-inch stained, cyma recta frame is a period replacement.
Label TextNothing is known of the life of Andreas Kessler (or, alternatively, von Kessler) other than what can be derived from the group of frakturs attributed to him. Previously he was known as "The Flat Parrot Artist." Birth and baptismal certificates made by him have been noted for children born in Lebanon, Dauphin, and Lancaster counties.

For a discussion on the attribution of works to the artist, see Kline and Weiser ("Bibliography"), p. 11.
InscribedThe ink inscription reads: "Diesen beiden Ehe=Gatten als: Johann Stober/ Und seiner Ehrsamen haus Frau Elisabeth eine gebohrne/Phillip Bensinger ist ein Sohn zur Welt gebohren/Im Jahr unsers herrn Jesu Christi 1805 den 27ten Aprill/Und haben ihm den Nahmen gegeben Wilhelm/Stober Dieser Sohn Wilhelm wurde gebohren/In Pensilvanien In Lancaster Caunty, In/Cocalico Taunschip. Und wurd getauft, von herrn/Pfarre Emanuel Schultz Die Tauf=zeichen waren/Georg Weidman und seine Ehe=Frau Barbara".

The English translation reads: "To these two married people, namely Johann Stober and his honorable wife, Elisabeth, born [to] Phillip Bensinger, a son was born into the world in the year of our Lord Jesus Christ 1805 the 27th of April and have given him the name Wilhelm Stober. The son Wilhelm was born in Pennsylvania in Lancaster County in Cocalico Township and was baptized by Pastor Emanuel Schultz. The sponsors were Georg Weidman and his wife, Barbara."
ProvenanceOwnership prior to CWF's source, Richard Wood, is undocumented.