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Image Source: Museum of the American Revolution via The Philadelphia Inquirer
According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, art collector and urban planner Judith Hernstadt purchased a batch of sketches from a New York antiques dealer in 1976. An 18th-century drawing with a partially torn inscription caught her attention. She hung this sketch in the bedroom of her New York apartment, and it remained there for over forty years.
In 2019, Matthew Skic, a curator at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, met Hernstadt at a private benefit. In August 2023, Skic had the opportunity to view Hernstadt’s art collection and said he was “shocked” to see the sketch hanging in her bedroom.
Skic saw a hunting shirt in the sketch, which prompted him to investigate further. Hernstadt allowed Skic to bring the drawing to Philadelphia to study it. Ultimately, Hernstadt donated the piece to the Museum of the American Revolution.
In his investigation, Skic connected with paper conservator Corine McHugh, who confirmed that the drawing’s paper and ink date back to the Revolutionary War period. Also, Skic verified the drawing was produced by Swiss-American philosopher Pierre Eugène du Simitière, who was known for documenting Revolutionary War activities.
The sketch represents the first portrayal of the Revolutionary War’s North Carolina Brigade, Artnet noted. It depicts two women and an infant in a wagon guarded by officers.
In addition, the sketch is one of two Revolutionary War-era pieces of art depicting female revolutionaries. The other is a 1782 painting created by American-French military engineer Pierre Charles L’Enfant depicting a woman serving troops food at American encampments.
Those who want to view artwork relating to the Revolutionary War era can see thousands of such pieces in the WorthPoint Price Guide.
Dan Kobialka is a self-employed content writer and editor with about a decade of experience. He produces content across a wide range of industries, including antiques, insurance, and real estate. To learn more about Dan, please visit his website.
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