Framed 18th c. Merchant Trade Sign

Description

A late 18th century/early 19th century trade sign from a Dutch West Indies shipping merchant. The carved wood and polychromed sign depicts a winged-foot Mercury figure surrounded by garlands with his ship and the wares of a tobacco merchant at his feet. This trade sign would function as a transom that was either glazed or open depending on the time of year. Now a rare and fabulous piece of wall mounted folk art.