Blog Post #20
The Old Oaken Bucket
Boy did we love going to the Wallace Nutting Club auctions back in the 80’s. Exciting?? I could barely keep in my seat. And when something special would come up for bid, a certain calm or a “buzz” would come over the room. This picture, The Old Oaken Bucket was announced as a rarity. Possible the only hand colored photo of its kind!!!
And it was a Davidson. Fortunately for me, Davidsons were just showing up at the auctions and not drawing a lot of attention. Had it been a Nutting, I would not have it hanging on my wall today. A beautifully framed 17″ x 20″ matted, hand colored photo, signed and titled, with the original backing and art store label.
The picture depicts Louise Davidson in one of her Victorian dresses with matching hat, sipping a cup of coffee or tea, and appears to be listing to the elderly gentleman. He is probably the gardener or handyman of the house with suspenders, wide brimmed hat, and his white mustache, sleeves rolled up, standing beside the well and holding The Old Oaken Bucket, his head tipped back in conversation with Louise.
A great picture for sure, but what was the rarity? This picture was announced as possibly the only hand colored photo known to have a black man the picture.
About 40 years have passed since that auction. I’m still looking. The fact that I haven’t seen another, this picture may very much be the only one. But you never know! Something to keep an eye out for.
Next Month……another picture of the month.
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