A shimmering relic of a nearly-lost American folk craft. Tinsel painting (also called “oil on glass” or foil painting) rose to popularity in the early to mid 1800s. The method is deceptively simple and utterly bewitching: a design is painted directly onto the back of glass, then backed with crumpled metallic foil, so the crinkled tinsel glimmers through the translucent color like captured light. No two look quite alike — the foil’s irregular folds catch differently with every shift of the room.
This example holds a lush mixed bouquet — apricot peonies, a blush tulip, golden marigolds, a sprig of blue pansies, and sprays of white forget-me-nots — rendered in warm jewel tones against inky black, framed within a hand-drawn geometric gilt border with stepped Deco-style corners. Time has left its mark: soft foxing and foil separation along the edges, a few age spots in the glass, all part of its patina and proof of an honest, well-loved life. 
From the personal collection of Chris Huntington, artist and folk art advocate, Kingsburg, Nova Scotia. Housed in its original wooden gilt frame, ready to hang.
13 x 11”