Mid-19th Century American Folk Art Painted Pew Prayer Kneeling Bench

Details

Description

Wonderful mid-19th-century American folk art prayer kneeling bench or low pew stool retaining its original dark red-brown painted surface.

The … Read more Wonderful mid-19th-century American folk art prayer kneeling bench or low pew stool retaining its original dark red-brown painted surface.

The long rectangular top is hand-painted in contrasting lettering “PEW. No 2.” and is raised on simple bootjack-form supports joined with traditional nail construction. The underside bears a period pencil inscription reading “John Wechman / Seat No. 11,” adding a particularly appealing layer of history and personality.

Its beautifully worn original painted surface, utilitarian construction and surviving inscriptions give the piece the authentic character prized in early American folk furnishings.

A distinctive decorative object for displaying beneath a console, in an entry, alongside a collection of Americana, or simply as a sculptural piece of early American history.

Date: Mid-19th century
Origin: American
Materials: Painted wood
Dimensions: 6.5” H × 36⅜” W × 8” D

Provenance: From the collection of Michael and Paula McMahon, Virginia Beach, Virginia. See less