Antique Folk Art Virginian Brick Home Portrait on Canvas, Circa Late 19th Century. Moody portrait of a stately home within a city setting, noted by the brick sidewalk running the length of the picket fence. Obscured neighboring homes, barren trees and a lack of human presence adds an ominous feel to the piece. The artist included domestic details such as a rocking chair on the front porch and a water pump off to the right with a narrow pathway snaking around the home. Signed in the lower right “C. H. Franzl.” Notations written in pencil en verso state the home was built in 1840 for Giles Cooke in Front Royal, Virginia. Artist unknown.

Historical notes on the home’s original owner:

Giles Buckner Cooke (1838–1937) Confederate army officer, educator, and Episcopal minister.

After serving the Civil War as a Confederate officer, Cooke became a minster, a teacher and later a principal for multiple African-American schools. Although his educational work appeared to elevate the position of Black Americans, it seems he still aligned with the opinion of many southerners, believing Black people to be inferior. Within undated notes for an address, he described former enslaved persons as, 'ignorant, credulous, superstitious, deceitful, emotional, religious, grateful.'

Presented as part of our “Nameless Art + Design” Show collection, January 2025.

We celebrate the unknown artistic hand but feel it necessary to include documented references to the home’s original owner and his connection to American history.

*With the sale of this work, a donation will be made to Girls For A Change, a non-profit organization and movement, pushing to end the prejudice, poverty and lack of resources that leave Black girls and young women vulnerable at the margins of society.

Condition: Excellent antique condition. Minimal surface wear with very small areas of surface abrasion and paint loss as detailed in images.

Specs: 24" H | 30" W | 5/8" D