James Sanford Ellsworth (American, 1802/03-1874) Pair of Portrait Miniatures of Simon and Margaret Douglas Bottum.

Description:

James Sanford Ellsworth (American, 1802/03-1874)

Pair of Portrait Miniatures of Simon and Margaret Douglas Bottum. Signed on front "Ellsworth Painter" below the subjects, probably painted in South Shaftsbury, Vermont, c. 1842 or 1845. Watercolor on paper, depicting the half-length subjects in profile in oval reserves, the woman holding a red book, both surrounded by shaded gray cloud-like formations, sight size 4 3/8 x 3 5/8 in., in period mahogany veneer frames. Condition: Toning, foxing, repaired tears, creases, some with paint loss.

Provenance: Lucy B. Mitchell collection, then by family descent.

Exhibitions: These portrait miniatures are listed and described in The paintings of James Sanford Ellsworth, itinerant folk artist, 1802-1873, catalog of an exhibition presented by the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Collection, Williamsburg, Virginia, October 13-December 1, 1974.

Note: Simon Bottum (1824-1904) and Margaret Douglas (1824-1884) were married in 1824 or 1845 in South Shaftsbury, Vermont. Their portraits were thought by the family to have been wedding portraits.
Estimate $1,500-2,500

Neither of the portraits have been laid down.
Man: Several pepper-flake fly speck or foxing to background, more-so on upper third, small horiz. tear l.l. background edge about 1/4 in., creases at center with a little paint loss, paper puckered a little at lower right corner.
Woman: small loss to u.l. corner, old repaired tears u.r. corner, c.l. edge, a few creases slightly noticeable in background u.l.


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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