Oval oil painting of a child in a cloud.
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.
Other
Maybe
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.
