Lot 390: Attributed to Alonzo Chappel (American, 1828)

Attributed to Alonzo Chappel (American, 1828-1887), "Molly Pitcher (c. 1754-1832) at the Battle of Monmouth, NJ, 1778", oil on canvas, unsigned, sight 32 1/2 in. x 48 in., in a modern frame. Provenance: Garth's Auction, Inc., November 27, 2004, lot 403; Tillow Gallery, Buffalo, NY, c. 1965. Exhibition: Butler Institute, Youngstown, OH; Illustrated: Adeline Pepper. Loves of Historic New Jersey, D. Van Nostrand Co., Inc., 1965, p. 104 Note: While much of the story of Molly Pitcher is attributed to folklore, the most common narrative details Mary Ludwig Hays earning her famous nickname at the 1778 Revolutionary War Battle of Monmouth in New Jersey. Mary, along with other women, brought water to the soldiers facing not only the British, but extreme temperatures of the June heat. Legend has it that after Molly's husband was either wounded or suffered heat exhaustion at the height of battle, Molly took his post at the cannon and continued to fight. In this depiction, Molly's husband lies stricken on the ground as she intently mans the muzzle of the cannon holding the ramrod in defiance of the British attackers. In the upper right, General George Washington surveys the battle and the brave Molly from his mount. Artist Alonzo Chappel enjoyed a successful career in art and illustration. His depictions of American history both before and during his lifetime...
Please Note: Starting Bid USD $5000