History of theorem art

The art of painting designs on velvet was popular with young ladies (and a few gentlemen), especially in New England states during the 1800's. The word "Theorem" means a theory or analysis and refers to the way the artist must analyze the picture she/he wants to paint, then divides it into numbered parts in order to cut a series of forms or stencils. Paint, usually oil, was then rubbed or brushed into the design. Details were added with a fine brush. The object in early Theorem painting was usually not to create original designs but to copy as accurately as possible, designs provided by teachers in girl's schools or traveling art teachers. The most popular studies were arrangements of fruits or flowers and the best examples had a quaint primitive charm with soft colors and delicate shading.

Early Theorem painting can be found today in many museums. The largest and finest collection of Theorem's today are on display in the Abby Aldridge Museum in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. Old examples of this art are extremely valuable and are prized by private collectors.

Due to the labor intensive process of the art, there are few artists who have kept this art form alive. This artist, Lynn, is using modern techniques and materials. She uses creativity and variation rather then exact copying creating color and design for self-expressions, while keeping the integrity of the art intact.

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