This framed painting is an authentic late-Victorian heraldic work, precisely dated to August 1885 and signed “F.W.S.” in the lower left margin. The piece has accompanying handwritten provenance notes on the reverse tracing its creation and later descent through the Story family of Baltimore, Maryland.
The work is attributed to Frederick Washington Story (1852–1920), a Baltimore-based attorney and member of the New England Historic Genealogical Society. His initials and date appear directly within the composition, reading: “August 1885 FWS.” At the lower right, the inscription “Point Lookout” references the historic Chesapeake Bay resort town in Maryland, suggesting the work was completed there during the summer of 1885.
Further validation appears on the reverse, where a descendant, William E. Story Jr., added a handwritten note dated May 18, 1958 confirming the identity of the artist:
“Under [Sketch of Motto Banner] appears F.W.S. = Frederick Washington Story (1852–1920) / Note by William E Story Jr 5/18/58.”
The heraldic composition features a vertically divided shield beneath the motto “Be Faithful Diligent and Brave.” The left side is quartered with red lions passant, frontal lion faces, and gouttes (heraldic droplets). The right side depicts a stag pierced by an arrow. Above the shield, the motif repeats across a helmet and wreath, reinforcing its formal heraldic structure.
Details
Origin: Lookout Point, Maryland, USA
Artist: Frederick Washington Story (1852-1920)
Date: August 1885
Measurements: 11.5 x 9 inches (outer frame)
Medium: Gouache with silver and gold leaf on artist board
Frame: Wooden frame, painted black with inner gold slip and wire hanger on reverse
Care
Dust gently.
Condition
This framed painting has light, age-appropriate wear. Please look closely at the photos for condition.
This framed painting is an authentic late-Victorian heraldic work, precisely dated to August 1885 and signed “F.W.S.” in the lower left margin. The piece has accompanying handwritten provenance notes on the reverse tracing its creation and later descent through the Story family of Baltimore, Maryland.
The work is attributed to Frederick Washington Story (1852–1920), a Baltimore-based attorney and member of the New England Historic Genealogical Society. His initials and date appear directly within the composition, reading: “August 1885 FWS.” At the lower right, the inscription “Point Lookout” references the historic Chesapeake Bay resort town in Maryland, suggesting the work was completed there during the summer of 1885.
Further validation appears on the reverse, where a descendant, William E. Story Jr., added a handwritten note dated May 18, 1958 confirming the identity of the artist:
“Under [Sketch of Motto Banner] appears F.W.S. = Frederick Washington Story (1852–1920) / Note by William E Story Jr 5/18/58.”
The heraldic composition features a vertically divided shield beneath the motto “Be Faithful Diligent and Brave.” The left side is quartered with red lions passant, frontal lion faces, and gouttes (heraldic droplets). The right side depicts a stag pierced by an arrow. Above the shield, the motif repeats across a helmet and wreath, reinforcing its formal heraldic structure.
Details
Origin: Lookout Point, Maryland, USA
Artist: Frederick Washington Story (1852-1920)
Date: August 1885
Measurements: 11.5 x 9 inches (outer frame)
Medium: Gouache with silver and gold leaf on artist board
Frame: Wooden frame, painted black with inner gold slip and wire hanger on reverse
Care
Dust gently.
Condition
This framed painting has light, age-appropriate wear. Please look closely at the photos for condition.
Image 1 of 16
Image 2 of 16
Image 3 of 16
Image 4 of 16
Image 5 of 16
Image 6 of 16
Image 7 of 16
Image 8 of 16
Image 9 of 16
Image 10 of 16
Image 11 of 16
Image 12 of 16
Image 13 of 16
Image 14 of 16
Image 15 of 16
Image 16 of 16