Oval- 24” x 20”, outside of frame- 28 1/2” x 24 1/2”. Oil on canvas, re-lined onto a rectangular board. The frame appears to be the original liner but possibly is missing an outer frame.
I bought this two years ago in a tag sale following the death of my next door neighbor in New Marlborough, MA. She had owned for many years, since I can remember seeing it there as far back as 1988. I believe that it may be an image of a deceased child and I’m guessing- 1850-1870, American. I think it’s beautiful and wonder if there are more out there by this artist, whoever that is.
Hi Ann,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
This looks a bit like Thomas Sully (1783 - 1872) , who was one of the premier American portrait painters during the Victorian era (1840s-60s) and the representation of the child within clouds certainly suggests that this was done as a posthumous portrait. The market for Sully's works have tapered off quite a bit in recent years, though portraits of famous Americans continues to do fairly well. I would not be surprised if this had once been signed either along the edges or on the back, which would now be obscured by the frame and relining.
I can't see the outer edge of the frame to see if it's lacking an additional outer layer.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
After Thomas Sully (American, 1783-1872)
Posthumous portrait of a child
oil on canvas, laid down on a rectangular board
Framed 28 1/2 by 24 1/2 inches, with an oval giltwood mat
CONDITION: relined
PROVENANCE: acquired from a New Marlborough, Mass., estate
$600-900*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.