Benjamin Greenleaf (Massachusetts/New Hampshire, 1769-1821) Portrait of Mary Ann Cushing Nichols

Description:

Benjamin Greenleaf (Massachusetts/New Hampshire, 1769-1821)

Portrait of Mary Ann Cushing Nichols
Inscribed and signed "The portrait of Mary Ann C. Nichols. Age 5 years and half. Painted by Benjamin Greenleaf at Boston July the 17th 1817" on a paper label on the backing.
Oil reverse-painting on glass, 17 x 12 in., in a gilt molded frame.
Condition: Scattered spots of paint lifting.

Provenance: Mrs. Frank Beasen, Palm City, Florida; Florene Maine Antiques, Ridgefield, Connecticut, May 18, 1980.

Literature: Catalog for Early American Art at the Whitney Studio Club, 1924, #27; advertisement in Antiques, September 1973, p. 301; Ian M.G. Quimby and Scott T. Swank, eds., Perspectives on American Folk Art (Winterthur, 1980),pp. 18-19; Arthur B. and Sybil B. Kern, "Who was Benjamin Greenleaf," Antiques World, September 1981, p. 42; Jacqueline Oak, "American Folk Portraits in the Collection of Sybil B. and Arthur B. Kern," The Magazine Antiques, September 1982, p. 566.
The Arthur & Sybil Kern Collection of American Folk Art
Estimate $2,500-3,500

Scattered spots of paint lifting or possible flaking as you can see, at least one small area of retouch in the girl's right sleeve.


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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