James Kochan Fine Art & Antiques
Specializing in American and British art, manuscripts, imprints, maritime and martial artifacts, 1700-1850
We are pleased to announce an important bicentennial exhibition and catalogued sale
at our Frederick gallery, opening to the public on 2 June 2012:
Free Trade & Sailors' Rights:
The War of 1812 and the Shaping of America
1813 draught of the 74-gun Ship USS Washington by noted Philadelphia naval architect James Hutton (detail)
On 1 June 1812, the infant United States of America declared war on Great Britain, seeking to redress wrongs against its national sovereignty, including the impressment of sailors, violation of neutrality rights, and restriction of foreign trade, as well as to secure (and expand) its western territories. Despite the burning of the U.S. capitol in 1814 and an effective blockade of much of its coast, a series of American naval victories and Jackson's defeat of the British at New Orleans in January 1815 (after peace had already been declared), lead to increased national pride and the beginnings of an American ethos, expressed in a burgeoning of American arts and industries.
Important documents, artwork and artifacts relating to the War of 1812 and the events that led up to it from 1783 until the war's conclusion, including original paintings and engravings portraying the heroes and victories of the two nations, Congressional presentation swords and medals, uniforms, weapons, military and political correspondence, rare books and the decorative arts of this era will be exhibited and sold. Most of these treasures were originally acquired over the past 15 years by gallery owner James Kochan, a noted specialist and historian of the conflict, for his personal study collection and will be exhibited and offered for sale for the first time, supplemented by a few select consignments of material from other important private collections.A large format catalog of the exhibit, heavily illustrated in full color, will mail in mid-May. It is available for purchase at a special, pre-publication price of $25 postpaid until 15 May 2012; orders may be placed by sending check or money order to the below address:
