The Art of

Theorem Painting

A History and Complete Instruction Manual

By Linda Carter Lefko and Barbara Knickerbocker

Copyright © Linda Carter Lefko, Barbara Knickerbocker, and The Historical Society of Early American Decoration Inc.

All material in this review, including the pictures, is copyrighted.

With the decline of embroidery as "an essential skill for young ladies," velvet painting came into fashion during the period between 1810 and 1840. The fashion most likely came here from England, as it was taught there as early as 1800. Matthew D. Finn's book (1830) appears to be the first to use the word "Theorem" in reference to "a mechanical method of painting a picture by applying paint through a series of stencils or 'theorems.'" This art form is enjoying resurgence in its popularity today for many of the same reasons that it was popular in the 1800s. Original theorems are somewhat scarce and expensive to buy, so why not make your own? The chief purpose of this book, say the authors, is to provide a collection of authentic patterns for theorem painting on velvet and on paper, together with instructions on how to execute them.

Linda Carter Lefko earned her B.S. in education with a major in art, and she has continued her studies with several well-known teachers. She has worked as an artist, lecturer and teacher for over twenty-five years, and is active with her business of custom production work. She is the author of several articles on decorative arts, and has served as a trustee of The Historical Society of Early American Decoration.

Barbara Knickerbocker completed a history and education major in college, and has been a student and painter of a variety of early American decorative arts ever since. She painted her first theorem in 1980. A member of HSEAD since 1987, she is active in the work of the Society on both a national and local level.

 The first part of the book intersperses text material with full color pictures of original theorems owned by various individuals and museums. Following that is the collection of patterns for theorems, along with color pictures of each finished project, as well as information about the contributor and a list of the colors used. All of these patterns and examples were contributed by members of HSEAD. A two-page bibliography lists books on the subject from the early 1800s to the present.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Preface

A History of theorem Painting

Collecting Theorems

Materials and Supplies

Preparation and Procedure for Theorem Painting on Velvet

Finishing a Theorem on Velvet

Preparation and Procedure for Theorem Painting on Paper

Finishing a Theorem on Paper

Patterns

Bibliography

All proceeds from the sale of the book are received by The Historical Society of Early American Decoration, Inc.

The Art of Theorem Painting, by Linda Carter Lefko and Barbara Knickerbocker
Viking Studio Books, New York 1994 ISBN# 0-525-48596-1

To order please visit the HSEAD Store.