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Preview image of work. oil on linen, Saddle and harness makers banner, Portland, 1841 21160

2010.43.14.1-.2

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Saddle and harness makers banner, Portland, 1841

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Artist

William Capen, Jr.

Title

Saddle and harness makers banner, Portland, 1841

Creation Date

1841

Century

mid-19th century

Dimensions

36 5/8 x 44 1/8 in. (93 x 112 cm)

Object Type

textile/natural fiber

Creation Place

North America, United States, Maine

Medium and Support

oil on linen

Credit Line

Collections of the Maine Historical Society, purchased by a coalition of Maine museums, including the Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Barbara Cooney Porter Fund and Gift the Textile Arts Foundation (Robert D.Barton and Nancy Hemenway)

Copyright

This artwork may be under copyright. For further information, please consult the Museum’s Copyright Terms and Conditions.

Accession Number

2010.43.14.1-.2

Object Description

Per the James D. Julia Inc.'s Auction Catalogue (End of Summer Spectacular Maine Auction- 2010):
The hanging banner mounted to a round wood dowel with hanging loop having oil painted decoration on both sides with a light green later addition yarn fringe. One side with "SADDLE US NOT WITH BAD DEBTS HARNESS US NOT WITH EVIL HABITS." with cream and black letters having some brown shadowing. All on a white silk background. The reverse with "MAY OUR CARRIAGE EVER BE UPRIGHT. GOD SPEED THE PLOUGH." in black and cream letters having some red and brown shadowing. All against a white silk background.

Per the Maine Memory Network in conjunction with the Maine Historical Society - October 2015:
As part of a Triennial Festival in Portland in October 1841, various artisan groups of the Maine Charitable Mechanic Association created painted linen banners that they carried in a parade. The banners promoted the work of skilled artisans and celebrated civic pride.

The Saddle and Harness Makers banner reads "Saddle us not with bad debts Harness us not with evil habits" on one side and "May our Carriage ever be Upright. God Speed the Plough" on the other side.

William Capen Jr., a member of the Charitable Mechanic group, painted the banner.

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