Deacon Robert Peckham (Massachusetts, 1785-1877) Portrait of James Humphreys Jr.

Description:

Deacon Robert Peckham (Massachusetts, 1785-1877)

Portrait of James Humphreys Jr.
Inscribed "JAMES HUMPHREYS/AE 30/Painted by/his humble friend/R Peckham/July 1809" on the back of the canvas.
Oil on canvas, 25 x 20 in., in a molded black-painted frame.
Condition: Relined, very minor inpainting to some craquelure.

Provenance: Sotheby's, Americana from the Collection of M. Austin and Jill R. Fine, January 30, 1987, Lot 965; Peter Tillou.

Literature: Peter H. Tillou, Where Liberty Dwells: 19th Century Art by the American People, Works of Art from the Masterpieces of New York State Folk Painting, no. 24.

Exhibitions: American Folk Art Exhibition, Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts, October 1-30, 1974; Where Liberty Dwells: 19th Century Art by the American People, Albright-Knox Gallery, Buffalo, New York, January 17-February 22, 1976; Milwaukee Art Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, July 25-August 29, 1976; Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, January 14-February 20, 1977; Munson-Williams-Proctor Institute, Utica, New York, April 3-May 29, 1977.

Note: This is thought to be the earliest known signed and dated portrait by Peckham.
The Arthur & Sybil Kern Collection of American Folk Art
Estimate $6,000-8,000


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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