This rare theorem on velvet is one of a small school of theorems made in New England in the 1830s. Another example was owned by Mary Allis, then Nina Fletcher Little. Distinctive characteristics of these pieces are the two apricot-colored fruits that are stacked vertically, the diagonally placed green pear, and the bunches of grapes, cherries, and strawberries on the sides. Known examples from this school also have the branches of berries that curve inward. The baskets are abstractly rendered with stripes, dots, stars, crosses, diamonds, hearts and other decorative motifs. Conservation framed in a period molded black frame. As expected foxing to background. Dimensions: Sight 9.5” × 7.75”; frame 11.5” x 9.75”. Provenance: Private Collection; Peter Eaton.
Published examples of theorems from this school are in 'The Art of Theorem Painting' by Lefko and Knickerbocker, p. 28; Bertram and Nina Fletcher Little Collection, Sotheby's October 21 and 22, 1994 sale of the Part II, lot 95.