Item No: frk01064

Title:
Love Letter (Liebesbrief) for M. R. Donath

Category:
Love Letter (Liebesbrief)

Creators:
Decorator: J.N. Janke (?-?)
Scrivener: J.N. Janke (?-?)

Creation Place:
Town/Township: Philadelphia
State/Province: Pennsylvania
Note: Based on artist's location

Creation Date: 1809

Physical Description: Leaf

Dimensions: 38 cm x 38 cm

Material: Wove paper; watercolor; ink

Media Type: Cutwork

Language: German

Scripts/Text: German script; Roman script

Associated Names: Donath, M. R.; Janke, J. N.

Notes:

Hand-drawn; hand-colored; hand-lettered; cutwork. This fraktur is shaped in an octagonal form, with each side topped by a cutwork pattern resembling a basket’s handle and bow. The document is decorated with a pattern of intricately cut shapes, including floral motifs. The text in German script is written in the center and in a circular pattern around it. Two of the eight portions are decorated with colorful drawings of flowers and fruit; the others are left without color. Only the colored panels are visible when the document is folded.

Transcription:

Zum Andenken Gewidmet \ für M. R. Donath.
Zum Andenken der \ Freundschaft.
Vielgeliebtes Mädchen \ Nimm dies gutgemeinte Blättchen
Sieh es steht darauf geschrieben, \ Ewig wird mein Herz dich lieben,
Immer geht es dir recht wohl \ Und dein Herz bleibt Wonne \ voll
Vergiß mein nicht, denk oft an mich, \ Und Liebe mich, so wie ich dich.

[in the center]
Facit \ J. N. Janke \ Philad. \ A^o. 1809
 

Translation:

As a souvenir dedicated to M. R. Donath. As a souvenir of friendship. Dearly loved girl, take this well intentioned little sheet. See, it is written on it that my heart will love you forever. May you always be well and your heart remains filled with delight. Do not forget me, think of me often, and love me as I love you. 

[in the center]
Made by J. N. Janke. Philadlephia, anno 1809.
 

Weiser Number: 909

Subjects:

• Apples
• Baskets
• Flowers
• Fruit
• Grapes
• Roses
• Valentines

Source:
Rare Book Department