About the Collection:
This impressive folk art shrine is one of four examples acquired from the family of Martin F. Werth (1893-1973), a Swiss-born immigrant to the United States who settled in Anoka, Minnesota, where he became a dairy farmer. Mr. Werth was also an accomplished craftsman and, in his later years, created these small architectural gems — all of which are featured individually in the Folk Art Gallery. Note the photos of Mr. Werth and one of his shrines as it appeared in his home.
About this Example:
What sets this piece apart from the others is the slender form; the combination of fretwork and puzzlework on the back panel; and the open quatrefoil motif on the sides. The resulting light from so many angles gives the shrine a special grace. Mr. Werth made this example with a single niche on a raised floor and a small cross on the back panel. The piece is 6-1/2” square and stands 21-1/2” tall. As the photos show, there’s a sticker on the underside of the shrine with the hand-written words “Made By” — but nothing more.
The shrine dates to the 1950s and is in very good overall condition, with the only loss being four of 16 spires.
SOLD