860s Bibles: ID'd Famous Southern Artist

This lot contains two small “pocket” bibles that date to the Civil War period. Both were inscribed in ink by their owners. The prize is a bible inscribed behind the front cover “Ellsworth Woodward From His Teacher H.S. Haston,” and signed again "Ellsworth Woodward." These inscriptions match the hand of Ellsworth Woodward, one of the most influential Southern artists of his time. Not only was Woodward a highly accomplished painter, he also founded the pioneering Newcomb Pottery in Louisiana. Both Woodward’s paintings and Newcomb pottery speak for themselves on the collector’s market, examples of which can bring a fortune.

It is unknown at this time who the referenced teacher is - perhaps he was quite influential on the young Woodward. The second bible is marked in ink “Ada Woodward Jan 11 1863”. Ada Woodward was Ellsworth’s older sister. A snapshot photo of Ada was found in her album. These bibles were recently found together in Massachusetts, where the Woodwards were born and raised. A very unique 19th century grouping associated with a cornerstone Southern artist.

[Civil War, Union, Confederate, Southern Art, Relics]