Three Cats with Blue String, c. 1870s Theorem Watercolor in Period Frame penguin couple with light toning/soiling along old

with light toning/soiling along old fold lines

I found a very very similar one listed sold on 1st Dibs for $6000

This lovely old one

9 1/4" l measured on the square

with pull strings hanging down from the back which will raise arms and legs when tugged

Three Cats with Blue String, c. 1870s Theorem Watercolor in Period Frame penguin couple with light toning/soiling along oldI purchased this one from a dealer in upstate NY who had it is his collection for about 30 years. I believe the watercolor is based on a Currier and Ives print, as so many 19th century folk art drawings and paintings were, but rare in my experience to find one rendered as a theorem watercolor. (Theorem paintings were made with the use of hand cut paper or cardboard stencils, lending hard edges to the outlined shapes, and glass tubes used for blowing