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Hello – Sicilians were known to take great pride in
My family acquired this pair of painted wood reliefs in 1972 when we their donkey carts in the mid-to-
purchased a summer cottage in the Adirondacks from a great aunt and late-19th century. At that time,
uncle. The two had no children and traveled extensively. one could find donkey carts
My mother and I both painted in several different elabo-
recollect the couple telling rate motifs. Medieval battle
us that they acquired scenes, such as those painted
these reliefs in Italy. My on your panels, were
mother recalls they were one of the most
either part of a traveling painted subjects
religious cart or were on these carts. An example of a
purchased (likely between These hand- mid-1800s Sicilian
1950-1970) from a painted panels are a great donkey cart with
vendor cart. My recollec- folk art collectible as illustrations
tion is that they originat- each one is different and one-of-a-kind. I also notice that the back
ed in a church, perhaps of both panels is marked “3500.” I am guessing this is the 3,500 lira
part of the stations of starting price before negotiations were made with the vendor. In 1955
the cross. this would equate to approximately $5.75 U.S. if my calculations
We would very much are correct.
like to know their age and These panels are each ornately carved on top with sunrays, floral
if possible, more about designs, and a dragon carved on each side and a double-headed eagle
their origins. Of course, carved on the top center. Sicily has had a long history of rule by the
value is also helpful. Any Byzantine Empire and The Holy Roman Empire as well as being
information you can influenced by immigrants from Albania and Greece all of whom used a
provide would be greatly double-headed eagle in their standards. Dragons are known to have
appreciated. been the subject of carvings on these carts also. As Sicily used the sea as
Best regards, their primary means of transportation previous to the 19th century, the
Jennifer donkey cart did not come into popularity until the 19th century.
p.s. – I took a few Your particular panels are circa: mid to late 19th Century. Both
more photos and have panels have a different Medieval battle scene painted in polychrome
measured them. paint. They have wear commensurate with use and age. If I were to see
Each panel is 49.5 cm these panels advertised at a high-end auction I would expect to pay
wide by 33.5 cm high. approximately $450/$575 for the pair.
The wood is approxi- Please leave these as you have them and only clean them gently. If
mately 1.5cm thick. you consider conserving them further, please seek advice from an
I hope all this helps. antiques or art conservator.

Two decorated panels (at top and middle) and one Hello Jennifer, and Display them and enjoy them!
back of a panel showing the number “3500” thank you so much for David Moore, CPAA
your query on these two
wonderful pieces of European folk art. My Son loves folk art and when
he finds a piece that he loves he refers to it as “killer folk art” I know
that “killer folk art” is not supposed to be in an appraiser’s vocabulary,
but I have to admit, you have a couple of “killer folk art” pieces here!
It is my opinion that these are Italian carved and painted wooden
panels. I have seen a few like panels over the years. They are approxi-
mately 19.5 inches wide x 13.2 inches high. These panels are not
from a church but are
panels from a Sicilian
Donkey Cart. The An example of illustrated late 1800s donkey cart panels

David Moore is part of the “Ask the Experts” appraising team for the Asheford Institute of
Antiques where he is an Honors graduate and a Certified Asheford Institute of Antiques
Appraiser. Mr. Moore has been buying, researching and selling the rare and unusual in
antiques for over 50 years. David is currently the owner of D.L. Moore, CAA, an antiques
appraisal business.

The Journal of Antiques & Collectibles and Asheford Institute of Antiques have teamed up to provide
our readers with professional appraisers to help you learn more about and value your finds. Do you have
questions about something you have acquired? We welcome your questions and photos. Send your information
to editorial@journalofantiques.com or mail to Journal of Antiques & Collectibles, PO Box 950, Sturbridge,
MA 01566 attn: Appraisers Corner. To learn more about becoming a “certified” antiques appraiser, visit
www.asheford.com or call the Admissions Office toll free at 877-444-4508.

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