{"product_id":"early-american-sketchbook-archive-c-1898-1915-50-original-drawings-studies","title":"Early American Sketchbook Archive  c. 1898–1915 • 50+ Original Drawings \u0026 Studies","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLarge early American artist’s sketchbook archive containing more than fifty original graphite drawings and studies, retained in the original black cloth portfolio-style sketchbook with loose examples inserted throughout. The group dates to approximately 1898–1915, supported by the inclusion of an unused McKinley-era one-cent U.S. postal card bearing humorous original ink illustration.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe archive reveals the hand of a talented young artist working across multiple styles including academic draftsmanship, rural Americana, animal studies, portraiture, and early commercial\/postcard illustration. Subjects include finely rendered lions and dogs, pastoral farm scenes, maple sugaring imagery, portrait studies of women and children, whimsical bear postcard cartoons, allegorical Art Nouveau figures, and atmospheric landscape compositions. Several sheets are signed including examples attributed to “Stewart” and “Thelma DeWitt.” Particularly appealing is the blend of formal artistic study and intimate folk-like imagery, giving the collection tremendous warmth and visual character. Many sheets are drawn on both sides, often featuring two separate compositions on a single page, adding to the richness and depth of the archive.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition: Sketchbook cover with expected age wear, rubbing, and corner losses. Most drawings are now loose from the original binding and have been individually placed into protective plastic sleeves for preservation. Sheets exhibit age toning, scattered creases, light edge wear, and handling marks consistent with age and use. Overall, the archive remains remarkably well preserved and visually impressive for a working turn-of-the-century artist’s sketchbook.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Folkism Antiques LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45195705122925,"sku":null,"price":950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0658\/1957\/4381\/files\/WhatsAppImage2026-05-12at11.16.39AM_2.jpg?v=1778599118","url":"https:\/\/folkismantiques.com\/products\/early-american-sketchbook-archive-c-1898-1915-50-original-drawings-studies","provider":"Folkism Antiques LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}