Pa. German Birth Certificate

c. 1936

Elmer G. Anderson

Associated Names
Elmer G. Anderson

Artist, American, active c. 1935

This is a painting of a decorative document featuring an ornately designed certificate or document centered on a textured paper background. At the top, there are two stylized birds facing each other, one on each side, rendered in muted reds and greens. The document is encircled by a pattern of curved lines and stylized flowers, which incorporate warm hues of blue, red, and green. The floral patterns appear hand-drawn. The main body of the document contains lines of text, with the name "Samuel Kieffer" prominently visible along with what appears to be dates or personal annotations. The style is reminiscent of traditional American folk art or fraktur, characterized by intricate and decorative approach to text and illustration.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    watercolor, colored pencil, and graphite on paperboard

  • Credit Line

    Index of American Design

  • Dimensions

    overall: 32.3 x 41.5 cm (12 11/16 x 16 5/16 in.)
    Original IAD Object: 6 3/4"high; 9 1/2"wide

  • Accession Number

    1943.8.3371


Artwork history & notes

Inscriptions

lower right in watercolor: .ELMER.G. / .ANDERSON.

Wikidata ID

Q64559062

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