John Hancock's Wallet c. 1938

"John Hancock's Wallet" is a 1938 watercolor painting by Archie Thompson. It depicts a historical artifact, John Hancock's wallet, which was a small leather pouch with a flap that contained his personal belongings and financial documents. The wallet is beautifully rendered in intricate detail, capturing the subtle textures of the leather and the delicate stitching of the embroidery. Thompson’s painting highlights the craftsmanship and personal significance of this object, a relic of the American Revolution. The inscription, "Judith Morse her Book 1777," provides a historical context, suggesting the wallet may have been a cherished personal item passed down through generations. The painting is a testament to the enduring legacy of historical objects and the power of art to preserve their stories for posterity.