Rare Italian School Work by Godfrey Frankenstein

Watercolor on paper, initialed G.F. to l.r., and housed in a frame with canvas liner; 3.75" x 6" (sight), 11.5" x 13.5" (framed). Frankenstein (American/Ohio, 1820-1873), while little known today, was an extraordinary figure in 19th century Ohio. Initially carving out his living as a sign painter, Frankenstein was an inventory, commission painter, and landscapist. He notably produced a massive, multi-panel view of Niagara Falls, which is lost today but was met with great fanfare.