Revolutionary War Sketch Discovery

What was a primary contribution of women during the Revolutionary War?

Who was identified as the artist of the unsigned masterpiece?

In what year was the sketch put on public display?

What aspect of the Continental Army does the sketch help to illustrate?

Why have the efforts of women during this period often been overlooked?

What significant historical realization did Judith Hernstadt have about her sketch after 40 years?

How did Matthew Skic initially assess the authenticity of the sketch's materials?

Which army's shirt did Skic identify on one of the soldiers in the sketch?

What did the blurry text on the sketch indicate about the depicted wagon?

What was the historical event that coincided with the North Carolina army's march through Philadelphia?

What role did the depicted women in the sketch play during the Revolutionary War?

How did Skic feel about the significance of the drawing upon observing the soldier's shirt?

What was Judith Hernstadt's primary motivation for inviting Matthew Skic to view her collection?

Revolutionary War Sketch Discovery

Judith Hernstadt, an 18th-century artifact collector, owned a Revolutionary War sketch.
The sketch depicted two women, a baby, and six soldiers in a horse-drawn carriage.
It included rough drafts of two men.
The sketch was a 15 by 5 inch (38 by 12.7 cm) pen-and-ink drawing.
It took 40 years for the sketch's historical significance to be recognized.

Discovery and Investigation

In August 2023, Hernstadt showed the sketch to Matthew Skic, a museum curator.
Skic recognized a Continental Army uniform on one soldier.
The sketch's inscription mentioned a North Carolina Brigade wagon's route through Philadelphia in August 1777.
This coincided with an old newspaper report detailing the North Carolina troops' march to join General Washington's army before the Battle of Brandywine.
Skic confirmed the paper and ink were from the Revolutionary era.

Historical Significance

The sketch is the first known wartime drawing of the North Carolina troops by an eyewitness.
It's one of only two known artworks featuring female followers of the Continental Army.
These women supported soldiers with tasks like cooking, chores, and medical care.
Their roles are often overlooked in history.
The sketch provides insight into the Continental Army's daily operations, including joy, hardship, and routines.

Artist Identification

The sketch's artist was identified as Pierre Eugene du Simitiere.
Du Simitiere, a Swiss artist, arrived in Philadelphia in 1774 and was known for Revolutionary War sketches.
Hernstadt donated the sketch to the museum.
The sketch was publicly displayed in April 2024.

Explore the fascinating discovery of an 18th-century sketch related to the Revolutionary War. This unique artifact, once overlooked, reveals significant historical insights about the North Carolina Brigade during the war. Join us to investigate its implications and significance.