American School, 19th Century Pair of Portraits of Mr. Henry L. McNeil and His Wife Martha, of Connecticut.

Description:

American School, 19th Century

Pair of Portraits of Mr. Henry L. McNeil and His Wife Martha, of Connecticut. C. 1840. Unsigned, the gentleman identified on a card attached to the stretcher. Oil on canvas, 29 3/4 x 25 in., in later molded giltwood frames; extensive research, genealogical information on the subjects accompanies the portraits. Condition: Both portraits with minor scattered retouch, and craquelure to background.


Note: Henry L. McNeil was born in Binghamton, New York, May 30, 1815, the first of six children born to Elias and Catherine (Sanford) McNeil. He married Martha Jerusha Odell of Litchfield, Connecticut, on October 21, 1840, settling in Wolcottville, Connecticut, where Henry was a grocer, and together they had four children. Henry died August 20, 1868, and Martha died July 25, 1899.
Estimate $3,000-5,000

Condition: Both portraits with minor scattered retouch, some areas of retouch around the hands of both portraits, and both with very minor small sparsely scattered spots of retouch. The craquelure on both portraits appears stable, not lifting or flaking. Craquelure on Martha's portrait u.r. and u.l. shows separation of the pigment, but is does not appear to be lifting or flaking. It looks like the portraits have been re-varnished.


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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