Early 19th century, superb, and oversized, this fine quality American folk art portrait, oil on canvas painting is in original surface with all of the elements desired by collectors and decorators; subject matter, size, and condition.
The object of the painting depicts a young and lovely child in a white dress with blue accents, who is holding pink roses in one hand and an orange in the other. She is seated next to her most beloved best friend (her small and beautiful white pedigree dog). Pictured in a well to do setting indicative of the upper echelon of society; the “staged” background scenery appears over her left shoulder, and is of the surrounding countryside; with large rock terrain, and lush foliage to the river’s shoreline. Note the gorgeous furniture with a red empire style rolled and tufted couch and cushion with a green curtain linen background.
While lacking a signature (as with most folk art paintings), it is obviously the work of a highly talented artist and the commission of a wealthy family who could afford this size painting and quality that was desired; not to mention; this particular painting required a large open wall space to display.
The painting has been professionally conserved and lightly cleaned. There is some “spotting” in the field (upper right sky; upper left curtains; and a 3/4″ spot on the girls dress). There is “invisible” touch up along the very bottom 2 1/2″ where the painting had been loosely mounted and rubbed up against the original frame for an extended period of time. The painting is housed in a professionally mounted, period looking, three inch black “dutch frame”. While contemporary, it is stunning and appropriate for that early 19th century period. The frame is designed with concave to convex form and triple ridge linear perimeter design. A 3/4″ gold gilt filet liner surrounds the interior perimeter. Hardback conservation material has been applied to the rear of the original frame stretchers for preservation and protection. The surface to the subjects and main body of the field in this painting is completely original with charming patina and colors to the face and attire. .
Dimensions: 50″ high x 40″ wide (actual painting)
(in frame): 57″ high x 46 1/2″ wide
Provenance: This painting is fresh to the marketplace and represents a “new find” having recently been acquired from a San Francisco estate with East Coast roots. It had been in storage for at least 80 years.
Note: American folk painting achieved it’s peak of popularity after 1800 when citizens wanted a symbol to record their newly achieved accomplishments in life. They wanted to express pride in their recently acquired status and preserve the moment for the benefit and amusement of future generations. The portrait was a way to document this in perpetuity.
Note: I am a second generation antiques dealer and have been in business for 50 years; I am also a member of several prestigious antique associations. Thus, I am well qualified to inspect and evaluate the products I offer for sale and I guarantee this to be authentic and as I have described.