Firemark c. 1940

"Firemark," created around 1940 by Rose Campbell-Gerke, is a detailed watercolor depiction of a firemark. Firemarks were used by insurance companies in the 18th and 19th centuries to identify insured buildings and to protect them from arson. The artwork showcases Campbell-Gerke's attention to detail, capturing the worn surface of the wooden firemark and the intricate carving of a tree with a number inscribed below. This small-scale drawing exemplifies the artist's interest in historical artifacts and their decorative appeal.