Three naive floral folk art watercolor paintings, c. 1820s Folk art schoolgirl watercolor paintings of flowers, c. first quarter 19th century. Exquisite naivete. With sinuous stems and languid petals, the plants captured here were clearly painted by a hand intent on exacting detail, and yet their studied likeness takes on an otherworldly, surreal quality. One of the three is signed Miss R. F. King below which is written the illegible name of a town and state abbreviation which appears to indicate Delaware. Miss is spelled with the archaic longs S as represented by an of F a traditional letterform which largely disappeared from even provincial use by the 1820s. Mounted and framed in the 1930s or 40s with silver gilt moldings which seem to fit the spirit of the work. With their pure and unpretentious beauty, the paintings carry forth the essential spirit of American folk art. Condition: Very good antique condition. Yellowing to paper. Some pigments faded (though colors generally remain vibrant. The paintings were likely affixed to the mat when they were framed. Measurements 10 " tall, 8" wide. Shipping $35 insured Courtesy Old as Adam Antiques oldasadam.com