About the Cover

The John Ritto Penniman dial on the front cover belongs with the Ephraim Willard clock that is described in detail in the article "Ephraim Willard—A New Perspective" by Peter Recourt, starting on page 42. The article mentions an extensive account of Penniman by Carol Damon Andrews in The Magazine Antiques, July 1981. Andrews provides a comprehensive view of Penniman, whose career started at age 11 as a dial-painter apprentice in Roxbury, MA, and expanded into many other artistic venues: portrait painting, decorative furniture painting, sign and label design, landscape painting and more. Brilliant examples of his work are shown, including a shell-motif decorative painting, executed on a commode by Thomas Seymour in 1809, and a watercolor, String of Fish, created in 1831. Any reader interested in developing a deeper appreciation of this amazingly talented, versatile, and prolific artist should refer to Carol Damon Andrews' article, which is available through the Library and Research Center.