A well painted armorial plate, with an unusual history.
Painted by Artist Helen Corson Hovenden 1847-1935. (wife of famous Irish/American artist Thomas Hovenden) 
Measures approx 8 inches wide.  Note on back 'Painted by Mrs Thomas Hovenden, Plymouth meeting, Pennsylvania, U.S.A'.  When asked about his work, Thomas always stated his wife was the better artist. 
 
Hovenden House in Plymouth Meeting, and the Abolition Hall,  served many generations of the Maulsby, Corsen and Hovenden families as meeting places for the Abolitionist movement against slavery, the so called 'Underground Railway' that gave support to African Americans to find their freedom. The hall was later converted to an artists studio, where this sentiment continued and was taken to a nationwide audience with the highly popular paintings by celebrated Irish American artist Thomas Hovenden who married artist Helen Corson. 
 
Seminal works by Thomas Hovenden:
'The Last moments of John Brown' Published by Harpers Weekly 1885 (illustrated) {{PD-US}}
'Breaking home ties' 1890
Helen Corson Hovenden
'In the Gallery'
 
 
Arms of Hovenden, Ireland granted 1585 Killban, Ireland. Motto of Corsen, Philadelphia 'Vis et Veritas'. Strength and bravery.