Vorschrift, unfinished

Dateca. 1810

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Southeastern

MediumInk and watercolor on laid paper

DimensionsPrimary Support: 8 3/8 x 13 3/8in. (21.3 x 34cm); object is not framed

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2001.305.3

DescriptionAn unfinished writing exercise of three lines of Fraktur-style lettering, the first line written in more elaborate, larger lettering than the second and third. The second and third lines are written in red; the large, open letters of the first line are basically unfilled. The first line is overlaid with a horizontal line enclosing a wavy red line.

Artist unidentified.

The piece was acquired without a frame.

Label TextThis popular evening hymn was included in most songbooks used in Pennsylvania German worship services. The specific version on this piece is from either the Lutheran Vollständiges Marburger Gesang Buch or the German Reformed Neu vermehrt und vollständiges Gesang Buch of Ambrosii Lobwasser. Both of these volumes went through a number of editions in America and in Europe. Another, different version of the hymn was published by the Amish in Pennsylvania.

InscribedThe following transcription and translation were made by Alan Keyser, 10/28/2009:

"Nun Sich Der tag/ geendet Hat und keine Sonn mehr scheint Schläft alles was/ sich Abgemat Auch was zu vor geweint Nur du mein Gott Hast [keine Rast]"

[Translation:]
Now the day has ended
The sun no longer shines
All sleep that have become tired,
And those who last had cried.

Only you, my God, has [no rest]

MarkingsNo watermark found.
ProvenanceCWF's source acquired this piece at an estate sale in Dayton, Ohio, about 1980 (along with 2001.305.1-2001.305.2 and 2001.305.4). The object's earlier ownership is undocumented.