Folk art? or? Would love to know origin...

[epona]

I have come to own these two pieces and have hit a brick wall trying to identify them.  They are done on two pieces of softwood, 27"x7" and about a half inch thick.  There are no hangers on the back or marks of any sort.  They are dated by the artist 1884 and signed.  I have looked at variations of the artists name, as I read it but have found nothing as of yet.  The only insight I have recieved told me it was folk art, but the second person said  'It is a trompe l’oeil pair really more than a folk painting.'.....The work is intricate, and, as with most things, does not photograph in all its splendor.  I am amazed at the detail.  I would love to know if anyone can tell me the country of origin...it would be wonderful to know where they are from to start..or if the signature can be identified, anything really....thanks for having a look and for any assistance you can provide....

[waywardangler]

Very, very nice!  I think they are folk art.  Trompe l'oeil is a two dimensional painting that appears to be three dimensional and I do not see that style in these two panels.  I am guessing they went in something like a paneled door, screen, fireplace surround, etc. or they were done as artistic samples at an art school.  Very well done and you should enjoy them for what they are...exceptional art.  They are simply beautiful.

[epona]

The observation that these pieces could be 'trompe l’oeil' came from Mark Winter, Director of Art Experts Inc....that is why I mentioned it.  I wondered about this observation as well but in looking at this artform and these pieces I see what he means, some of them are made to look as though they are windows or postcards peeling away........