Item Info

Scripts/Text: Roman print
Language: German
Weiser Number: 645
Physical Description: Leaf
Material: Wove paper; watercolor; ink
Transcription:

PILLACAM

Translation:

Pelican

Category: Drawing
Media Type: Drawings
Source: Rare Book Department
Notes:

Hand-drawn; hand-colored; hand-lettered. In the center of the document is a pelican that is piercing its own breast with its beak. Three chicks in a nest below it are feeding on the blood that is spouting from the wound. Above the bird is a large flower. Below it is the framed caption as well as two rosettes and a tulip.
The image of the pelican feeding its young by drawing blood from its breast is symbolic of Christian doctrine of Jesus’ sacrificial death to redeem humanity.

Provenance: Henry S. Borneman

Bibliography:

Michael S. Bird, O Noble Heart, O Edel Herz: Fraktur and Spirituality in Pennsylvania German Folk Art (Lancaster: Heritage Center Museum, 2002), 91.

Creation Place State/Province: Creation Place Note:Based on design characteristics
State/Province:[Pennsylvania]

Creation Year (Single Year or Range Begin): ca. 1850
Image Dimensions Width: 25.4 cm
ShelfMark: FLP 280
Creator Name: Anonymous - Decorator
Anonymous - Scrivener