PETER BERNHART (ROCKINGHAM CO., SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA) FOLK ART FRAKTUR BIRTH AND BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATE, watercolor and ink on a partially printed paper form, completed for Abraham Royer, born in "1811" in "Rockingham County", printed elements in German by Ambrose Henkel of New Market, VA. Drawn, scribed, signed, and dated "1813" by Peter Bernhart. Bearing additional later inscription at top edge" Framed by A. R. Campbell April 10th 1882", as well as another later inscription in pencil "September 14th 1811" near center. Translated text reads: "1811, the 14th of September, Abraham Royer was born into this world, of Christian parents, in Rockingham County, in the state of Virginia, the father was Phillip Royer, the mother Catherine, a born Kohler. Sponsors were Johannes Miller and his wife. / Let the inherited sin depart from him through Your blood; through your spirit bind it to You that it may clothe itself in You. And write the name that we give in the Book of Life to live / Written by Peter Bernhart, 1813". Reserve. Circa 1813. 8 1/2" x 14" object.
Literature: For two additional examples of this form decorated by Bernhart see Paul, Bernhart & Company: Shenandoah Valley Folk Art Fraktur (1774-1850), pp. 44, 45.
Provenance: From a North Carolina collection.
Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates, 11/12/2016, lot 264.
Ex-collection of Jason Sandlin, Redlands, CA.
Catalogue Note: Peter Bernhart (act. 1794-1819) was schoolmaster and post rider residing in Keezletown, Rockingham Co., VA. He was the most prolific fraktur artist in the Shenandoah Valley. The present example, which was unrecorded when we first sold, features four boldly delineated birds, stylized tulips, and other abstract floral and foliate devices in one of the artist's most desirable formats.
The Royer, Koehler, and Miller families attended the Peaked Mountain Presbyterian Church located at the base of Peaked Mountain, the southern end of the Massanutten Range near Cross Keys, in the central portion of Rockingham County.
Overall moderate to heavy toning, fold line with old repair to separation at center line, edge wear with small losses, small stain/discoloration upper right corner.