Fraktur, 1807

01

Artifact Overview

Early German immigrants created decorative documents, known as Fraktur, for a variety of reasons. Many commemorated a child's birth and baptism. Others were made as keepsakes, symbols of achievement or expressions of the immigrant's heritage or religion. These documents usually incorporated intricate lettering, elaborate borders and colorful drawings. In 1807, Susanna Hubner created this manuscript and embellished it with stylized flowers, hearts and a bird.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Fraktur (Document)

Date Made

29 August 1807

Creator Notes

Probably made in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

68.34.25

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)
Ink
Watercolor (Paint)

Technique

Watercolor painting (Technique)

Color

Red
Black (Color)
Brown

Dimensions

Height: 8.125 in
Width: 13.25 in

Inscriptions

Herr Jesu Fuhre Mich | Mich [sic] So Lang Ich Leb Auff Erden Lass Mich Nicht Ohne Dich [...] In left heart: Das Herze | mein soll dir | allein zu | geben | seyn In right heart: Ordel[?] Herz | Gedenk dein | end wer weis | wie hab | der | lauf [illegible] On back: Written one thousand eight hundred and seven, the 29th of August by me, Susanna Hubner