Early Original Copper Plate Memorial for George Washington, Baker/Whelen Provenance

(Philadelphia, active 1809-1845)

Memorial George Washington rectangular engraved beveled copper plate, a monument with floral filled urn, oval portrait of George Washington with reverse inscription "Born Feb. 22 1732 Died Dec. 14 1799", late 18th/early 19th century, stamped verso "J.B. Keim/Phila., 5-1/2 x 2-1/4 in.

Provenance: Ex-Collection William Spohn Baker; to his son-in-law and executor Henry Whelen, Jr. (1848-1907), Philadelphia banker and collector; his daughter Marie Elsie Whelen Clews (1880-1959); her son Mancha Madison Clews (1915–2006); By descent in family

Note: J.B. Keim was a Philadelphia supplier of copper plates for engravers. Active in the first quarter of the 19th century, they were used largely for historic documents, maps, and portraits. Coincidentally, he provided the plate for the Declaration of Independence engraved 1820-1823 by William J. Stone. His mark is stamped verso that plate which is held by the National Archives.