Attributed to Rembrandt Peale (Pennsylvania, 1778-1860) Portrait of Philadelphia Merchant Samuel Neave Lewis (Philadelphia, 1785-1841).

Description:

Attributed to Rembrandt Peale (Pennsylvania, 1778-1860)

Portrait of Philadelphia Merchant Samuel Neave Lewis (Philadelphia, 1785-1841). Unsigned, artist and subject identified in inscriptions on a label affixed to the back of the panel. Oil on wood panel, 30 x 24 1/2 in., in a period molded giltwood frame; accompanied by a lithograph copy of the portrait after Rembrandt Peale, P.S. Duval, Philadelphia, publishers, oval portrait, sight size 9 3/4 x 7 1/2 in., in a molded giltwood frame. Condition: The oil on panel portrait with repaired crack u.l. with associated retouch and areas of retouch to face; the lithograph has light toning and moisture stains.

Exhibitions: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Exhibition of Portraits By Charles Willson Peale, Rembrandt Peale, and James Peale, 1923, with exhibition loan label affixed to the back of the frame.

Note: Samuel Neave Lewis was a prominent Philadelphia merchant, ship owner, and white lead manufacturer. He was treasurer of the state of Pennsylvania, and also of the Pennsylvania Hospital.

Transcription of labels on back:

Label on upper left corner of frame (exhibition label for PAFA).
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

Exhibition of Portraits by Charles Willson Peale, Rembrandt Peale, and James Peale



Handwritten label in lower left corner:


Rembrandt [Peale, incomplete]

Artist, Philada. - about 18[illegible]

Portrait of Samuel N. Lewis

Aged about 24

Presented to John T. Lewis by My sister Martha's daughters Rebecca & Lydia Novem. 1881

Cleaned & frame regilt by Jas. S. Earle & Sons Dec. 188[illegible].

J.T.[last initial illegible; presumably L for John T. Lewis].



Restorer's label on right side:


24 Rand Rd Upper Darby

Hannah Mee Horner

[Philadelphia PA struck out]

Date Dec 1929

Cleaned & varnished & crack attended



Additional inscriptions, hand written in black paint on panel:


"M.S.L."

"7093"



Estimate $8,000-10,000

The crack at u.l. is about 7 in. lg. and has three butterfly patches on the reverse to stabilize it. There is a 1929 dated restoration label affixed to the verso. There is retouch to the face on forehead hairline, upper lip and several spots on the cheeks, possible other spots of retouch, but not clearly evident under black light due to varnish, ( it was cleaned and varnished in 1929).


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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