THE OVER 200 CLUB

Any time you get an artifact from America that is over 200 years old, its a big deal.

America has passed through a centennial and a bicentennial, and before you know it, we will be three centuries old as a united nation.   America will soon have 300 years under its belt as the land of freedom and democracy.  What a standard we will have set, indeed.

Yet, is should always be remembered that America did not miraculously transform all who walked on its soil into free human beings.  We surely would have nothing to brag about now as a leading nation, if it had not been for  a people who rose above the indiscretions of our new free society.  Black Americans, 200 years ago did not get to experience the new "Magic Kingdom" of freedom.

But what is apparent in all of the charcoal portraits of the Diann Kirby Collection, is that the African American citizen never lost sight of their dignity, as is evident by this 220 year old Charcoal Portrait of whom I can only refer to as a "Statesman In America".

"Statesman In America"  -  Approximate Date : 1791   Value = $4000
Size : 15" x  30"  under bubble glass surrounded by a gold leaf metal frame

The Eagle and American Flag crest validates this portrait's age.  The American Flag has been designed with 13 stars.  And so as not to pre-date this portrait, it should be noted that the 14th colony to receive statehood was Vermont, in 1791.

For its time, this frame would have been considered more on the high end.  The entire back of this portrait is shielded and protected with a thin piece of sheet metal, also gold in color, and securely held in place with metal tabs.  Upon removal of the sheet metal, a well preserved fine thread canvas is revealed on which this charcoal was created.

Back of Frame

It would be fair to assume, that the gentleman in this portrait did not just come home from shoeing a horse, or tilling a garden, and then don this elegant outfit just for this portrait.  For his time, this man would have had to have risen to some type of respectable position.  And even if that is true, was probably only recognized by only a select few of his other fellow human beings who had evolved to understand the meaning of freedom and equality in America.

And that is what makes Diann Kirby's collection so important.  On her walls is a family, not related, of fellow Black Americans who 80 or 100 or 200 years ago were surely leaders of their communities.  They have been immortalized on canvas, in frames and under glass, and now collected together under one roof after years of searching, compiling what indisputably is the largest collection of Black American Charcoal Portraits on the East Coast of our country.

HERE ARE SOME MORE OF DIANN KIRBY'S HISTORICAL BLACK AMERICAN CHARCOAL PORTRAIT COLLECTION FOR YOU TO ENJOY.



Forbidden Love?  Maid and Master?  Whoever this couple was, you can be sure 200 years ago they were stoking the coals of controversy.  But brave and confident enough to display their connection for whomever visited their home.  The frame and moisture damage diminish this portrait's worth, but is still valued at over $500



Original Oval Mahogony Frame with Bubble Glass.  Dimensions - 12"  x  24"   Value = $575