What is theorem paintings?

Theorem painting is a type of folk art that was popular in the 19th century in the United States. Theorems are stencil-based paintings, typically made on velvet, fabric, or paper, that feature a still-life composed of fruits, flowers, and other objects. The paintings get their name from the geometric shapes that were used to create the stencils.

The practice of making theorem paintings originated in New England in the early 1800s as an offshoot of the stenciling craze of the time. It was a popular pastime for women, who would create theorems at home as a way to decorate their homes or as a way to earn extra income.

Theorem paintings were created by laying a stencil on a piece of fabric or paper and then applying paint to the exposed areas of the stencil. The stencils were often made from oilcloth, which was a durable material that could withstand many uses. Once the paint was dry, additional layers could be added to create depth and texture.

The popularity of theorem painting declined in the 1850s as other forms of decorative arts gained popularity, but it has since experienced a resurgence of interest among collectors and historians. Today, original theorem paintings can fetch high prices at auction, and the techniques used to create them are still taught and practiced by some artists.