Item Info

Scripts/Text: Fraktur
Language: German
Weiser Number: 26
Physical Description: Leaf
Material: Laid paper; watercolor; ink
Transcription:

Johann Ja= \ cob ist gebohren von Christ= \ lichen und Ehrlichen Eltern Den 17ten May im iahr Christi 1771. \ Seine Eltern seynd der Ehrsame Jacob Engert und seine Frau Do= \ rothea. Tauff=Zeugen seynd Johannes Feyen u. seine frau Catharina.

Translation:

Johann Jacob was born to Christian and Honest parents, the 17th of May in the year of Christ 1771. His parents are the honorable Jacob Engert and his wife Dorothea. Sponsors are Johannes Feyen and his wife Catharina.

Category: Birth and Baptismal Certificate (Geburts und Taufschein)
Media Type: Manuscripts
Source: Rare Book Department
Notes:

Hand-drawn; hand-colored; hand-lettered. The text in Fraktur is within a rectangular frame in the center of the document. The first line is written in large, richly decorated letters. The text is flanked by two hearts, which are adorned with various decorations, including stars. Stemmed, leafy tulips protrude from both hearts. In the four corners are stars within circles, which, in turn, are framed by square frames. Above and below the text are stars within circles from which protrude to both sides stemmed, leafy flowers. The entire document and decorative panels are framed by a sawtooth or triangular border. This is one of only four known fraktur by this artist, who did not include a location on any of these pieces. According to family genealogy, a Jacob Engard was born in Upper Dublin Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania on May 17, 1771 and died August 24, 1823. This is likely the same Johann Jacob Engert for whom this certificate was made.

Associated Names: Feyen, Johannes
Bibliography:

“Compass Heart Artist” in Russell D. and Corinne P. Earnest, Papers for Birth Dayes: Guide to the Fraktur Artists and Scriveners (East Berlin, Pa.: Russell D. Earnest Associates, 1997), 2nd ed., vol. 1, p. 154.

Creation Place County: Creation Place Note:Based on family history
Region/County:[Montgomery]
State/Province:[Pennsylvania]

Creation Year (Single Year or Range Begin): ca. 1780
Image Dimensions Width: 20 cm
ShelfMark: FLP 159
Creator Name: [Compass Heart Artist (active c. 1775-1792)] - Decorator
[Compass Heart Artist (active c. 1775-1792)] - Scrivener