July 4, 1873 Primitive Carved Fork flat paintbrush I'm not sure why

I'm not sure why

Oil on canvas stretched over a wooden frame and nailed along the sides

Spheres formed by blocks are 2 1/2" in diameter

but even more so like Jim Broadbent

side by side on a red perch

July 4, 1873 Primitive Carved Fork flat paintbrush I'm not sure whyThe handwritten text on this sweetly carved wooden fork is a bit hard to read, particularly the year (and my photos don't help; it is somewhat clearer in person), but I'm pretty sure it says 1873. For sure the day is July 4, so Independence was certainly being celebrated as it was made, with the initials EJV and EAG I believe written below. Very humble but full of life. 5 9 16" x 13 16" and in very good condition.