Vorschrift, unfinished

Dateca. 1810

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Southeastern

MediumInk and watercolor on laid paper

DimensionsPrimary Support: 8 1/4 x 13 1/4in. (21 x 33.7cm); object is not framed

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2001.305.1

DescriptionAn unfinished writing exercise of three lines of Fraktur-style lettering, the first line (three words) written in more elaborate, more colorful, larger lettering than the second and third (of which the second is red and larger than the third, which is black). At the top, two blue and red birds perch on branches above the letters and, at far right, a blue bird perches atop a letter itself. An angel hovers over the word "Pforte." A hand-ruled border appears at the top and the sides.

Artist unidentified.

The piece was acquired without a frame.
Label TextThis unfinished Vorschrift (writing exercise) features the wording of Matthew 7:14, generally translated as "The gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and few there be that find it." Other, completed, Vorschriften bearing this verse continue with additional pious texts and, sometimes, dates and alphabets (which Pennsylvania German pupils were intended to copy as learning aids).
InscribedThe three lines of lettering read: "Die Pforte Ist/Enge und der Weg ist schmal der zum Leben füh=/=ret und Wenig sind Ihrer die ihn finden, Ihm Evangelisten Matthäi K [or C?], 7, v, 14,"

The text, Matthew 7:14, is generally translated as: "The gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and few there be that find it. Matthew 7:14".
MarkingsA watermark in the primary support reads "C H".
ProvenanceCWF's source acquired this piece at an estate sale in Dayton, Ohio, about 1980 (along with 2001.305.2-2001.305.4) The object's earlier ownership is undocumented.