LOT #40074 |
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Confederate States of America: Watercolors of Proposed Flag Designs by William James Hubard.. ... (Total: 2 )
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Sold on Dec 8, 2025 for:
$8,125.00
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Description
Confederate States of America: Watercolors of Proposed Flag Designs by William James Hubard.During the nascent period of the CSA following the secession of South Carolina on December 20, 1860, attention was directed towards the design of a national flag. Many designs were submitted for consideration prior to the adoption of the First National Flag on February 16, 1861. One artist who "entered the fray" was William James Hubard (1807-1862) of Richmond. Hubard was an Englishman who emigrated to Boston in 1824. He originally sold silhouettes, meeting with great success. He later moved to Richmond, Virginia, attracting a prominent patron and marrying the daughter of wealthy clients. He expanded to oil portraits and bronze sculptures, painting Andrew Jackson and John Marshall, and making six bronzes of George Washington, copied from the Houdon marble, one of which is on prominent display at the Virginia Military Institute. He contributed to the war effort by working at a local munitions factory where, in February 1862, his life was tragically cut short by an accidental explosion.
The highlight of this lot is a hardbound sketchbook measuring 18" x 11. It houses nine [9] artworks (watercolor, pencil, ink) on wove paper with linen backing representing a proposed flag for the new confederation. Seven of the nine are signed in pencil by the artist. All of the designs incorporate twelve stars, reflecting the artist's view and expectations. The inside cover of the sketchbook has five examples of Confederacy currency pasted in. It is accompanied by a souvenir booklet on coated stock titled "A Memorial of the 6th Annual Reunion of the United Confederate Veterans Association and the laying of the Cornerstone of the Jefferson Davis Monument. Richmond, Virginia, June 30, July 1-2, 1896." The sketchbook was acquired by Edward Hastings Ripley (1839-1915), an ancestor of the consignor. Ripley was a Brigadier-General in the Union Army and led the first troops to enter Richmond after its surrender. He was ordered to extinguish fires, prevent looting and maintain order. He advised President Lincoln of the risk of assassination during his impromptu tour of Richmond, but the President demurred any precautions.
Condition: Slight warping to the covers of the sketchbook, with normal wear to the spine and corners. The souvenir booklet is in very good condition. One of the watercolors has a closed tear. Refer to posted images.
Auction Info
2025 December 8 Arms & Armor, Civil War & Militaria Signature® Auction #6325 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
December, 2025
8th
Monday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 2
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 315
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25% of the successful bid per lot.
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