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Gerburts und Taufschein (Birth and Baptismal Certificate)

Gerburts und Taufschein (Birth and Baptismal Certificate)

Attributed to: Abraham Huth (American [Berks County, PA], c. 1807 - 1830)

Made for: Nathan Stumb (American [Berks County, PA], 1823 - 1909)

Date: c. 1823
Medium: wove paper, iron gall ink, watercolors
Dimensions:
Framed: 15 7/16 x 18 3/8 x 3/4 in. (39.2 x 46.7 x 1.9 cm)
Sheet: 12 11/16 x 15 7/8 in. (32.2 x 40.3 cm)
Credit Line:Museum Purchase
Object number: 1935.193.5.1

Translation:
Nathan Stumb was born to Christian, wedded parents of Lutheran faith on November 29 in the year of our Lord 1823.  The parents of the child were Samuel Stumb and his wife Rachel born Leiwig.  Nathan was born in Greenwich town in Berks County and was baptized by Mr. Diefenbach on the 10th of December 1823.  The sponsors were Georg Altendoerfer and his wife.

A schoolmaster at Kimmerling’s schoolhouse, Huth produced many certificates carrying out the decoration by his own hand but often selling them to other scriveners who would fill in the details of the certificate at a later date.  He favored a standard format with the text centered in a squared reserve with harlequin border.  This allowed him to use the wide margins for decoration. 

The distinctive birds and stylized floral motifs as well as the spiky oak leaf and sunburst elements are typical.  He favored a strong red and yellow palette and had an unusual technique of outlining the tulip motifs.  Many of Huth’s certificates were made for Lutheran and Reformed church members and he invariably identified the religious affiliation of the family on the document.

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