Judith Hernstadt's Revolutionary War Sketch

What vital role did women play during the Revolutionary War?

Who was identified as the artist of the unsigned masterpiece through Skic's investigation?

When was the donated sketch put on public display?

What did Skic say about the significance of the sketch?

In what year did Pierre Eugene du Simitiere come to Philadelphia?

What notable historical event is depicted in the sketch acquired by Judith Hernstadt?

Which army is represented by one of the soldiers in the sketch?

What was the purpose of Matthew Skic's visit to Judith Hernstadt's collection?

What did Skic discover about the paper and ink used in the sketch?

What specific detail was found in the blurry text on the back of the sketch?

What significant claim does the sketch hold regarding the North Carolina troops?

What additional aspect makes this sketch particularly valuable?

When did Hernstadt realize the historical significance of her drawing?

Judith Hernstadt's Revolutionary War Sketch

Hernstadt, an 18th-century artifact collector, owned a Revolutionary War sketch.
The sketch depicted two women, a baby, and a horse-drawn carriage filled with supplies, accompanied by six soldiers.
The back of the sketch contained preliminary drawings of two men.

Discovery and Significance

In 2023, Matthew Skic, a museum curator, examined Hernstadt's collection.
Skic noticed a soldier wearing a Continental Army uniform, raising suspicions about the sketch's authenticity.
The sketch, measuring 15 by 5 inches (38 by 12.7 cm), was confirmed as being from the Revolutionary era.
The sketch's caption mentioned a North Carolina brigade passing through Philadelphia in August 1777.
Historical records confirm that the North Carolina Continental troops marched through Philadelphia around that time and before the Battle of Brandywine
The drawing is the first known eyewitness sketch of North Carolina troops during wartime, and one of only two known artworks depicting female followers of the Continental Army.
These women played crucial roles supporting soldiers, including cooking, household tasks, and medical care.

Identifying the Artist and Donation

Skic, through research, narrowed down to Pierre Eugene du Simitiere.
Du Simitiere was a Swiss artist known for Revolutionary War sketches and lived in Philadelphia in 1774.
Hernstadt donated the sketch to the Museum of the American Revolution.
The sketch was put on public display in 2024.

Importance of the Sketch

The drawing provides valuable insights into the daily operations and lives of the Continental Army, capturing everyday aspects, including happy, challenging, and routine moments.

Explore the details surrounding Judith Hernstadt's Revolutionary War sketch, which depicts a significant moment in 1777. This sketch offers a rare eyewitness account of North Carolina troops during wartime and raises questions about its authenticity. Discover the historical context and implications of this important artifact.