Composite picture assembled from sections of glossy, black cut paper pasted to a cream, wove paper background. Central floral/snowflake shaped element consists of concentric rings of animals, flowers, humans, and birds set in abstracted, geometric frames, ending in an outer ring of fringed points. Beneath this element is a double swag banner held aloft at each end by flying birds, possibly eagles, holding branches in their claws. Each section of the swag bears an ink inscription. Flanking the central element are floral sprays, the left-hand forming a branch with perching bird and the right an exotic flower and leafy branch. Above the central element are small angels in flight blowing trumpets. An elaborate hunt scene forms the base of the picture, bookended on left and right with leafless trees. From right to left are a man in an open carriage with very large rear wheels, similar to a barouche, pulled by a blindered horse. The horse also carries a rider wearing a cap and brandishing a whip. A palm tree splits the scene. To the left of the palm tree another rider who waves his hat above his head chases three hounds who have cornered a stag. A fourth hound approaches it from the left. The left-most tree is surmounted by a perching owl and surrounded by a half-circle of birds in flight.
cut-paper work
ink
paper (fiber product)
Picture, Cut-paper
"For S.G. Tripp, Esq/ Providence RI"/ "By S.K.G. Nellis/Born without arms/New York" (Ink, in swags beneath central element)
"hung in library of Sam'l G. Tripp, 129 Benefit St., Providence" (in pencil on back base of frame)
Nellis, Saunders Ken Grems, 1821-1865 (Maker)
Providence, Rhode Island, USA
Gift of Miss Lydia G. Chace
1931.1572
1829-1865 (Nellis' working dates)
Rhode Island (United States)
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