Image
Enlarge Image
American Treasures at the Fenimore Art Museum

Previous Next Exhibit Page Home Search
Record 39/116
Copyright New York State Historical Association and/or The Farmers' Museum, Inc.
Object ID N0119.1961
Title The Rescue, God Save My Child
Artist Martin, D.T., Professor
Object Name Drawing
Early Date 1891
Exhibit label line3 This is a quill pen and ink and watercolor painting. In the mid-nineteenth century calligraphy was a rather popular form of art on the "folk level." Most every modern collection of folk art includes several examples. The subjects most commonly chosen were deer, horses, and the human figure. Calligraphic drawing was considered "the ultimate step for the schoolmaster or expert pupil." Many calligraphic drawings were so well executed that the artist would proudly sign his, "All With A Pen."

Penmanship was considered an important part of education in the 19th century, and calligraphy was taught in both public schools and private courses. Teachers made large scale drawings as a means of advertising their skill and pupils did likewise to demonstrate their recently acquired ability.

This calligraphic drawing depicts a fanciful and imaginative scene, taken from an unknown source, in which a woman valiantly defends her child against an attacking eagle with the aid of a horse. The artist, a skilled and experienced professor of this medium, used the defensive position of the horse as the main composition of the drawing and the vehicle for his display of draftsmanship. The mother's complete confidence in the horse is expressed in her defiant stance as the child cowers in her skirt.
Description Marks: Center left: "The Rescue/GOD/Save My Child" on Printed front lower left:. "Pen Work by D. T. Martin - 81 years-1891"
Dimensions H-22 W-27 inches
Material Pen, ink, watercolor, on paper
Place of Origin New England (probably )

Prior written permission is required for any reproduction, redistribution, publication, or other use of the images in any media, including but not limited to, printed or electronic media. Contact the Office of the Registrar, New York State Historical Association, PO Box 800, Cooperstown, NY 13326, (607) 547-1444, to request permission.    
Last modified on: November 04, 2005