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Exceptional American oil on canvas portrait of a young child standing under a tree.  Mountains can be seen in the background of this sensitive portrait of a young child dressed in white, with red ribbons tying up the sleeves, 4 strands of coral beads, red shoes, and holding a coral-colored rose.  Children and women often wore coral beads during the 18th and 19th centuries--to ward off evil spirits and, later, for good luck.  A rose was often depicted with children to symbolize a long life ahead.  According to family history, this portrait is circa 1833 (see the family history below).  Styles in children's clothing stayed the same for decades.  The style of this dress was used as early as 1760 to the second quarter of the 19th century.  I would have pegged the frame as 18th century, but it does appear to be original and the new information puts the date at 1833 (which I still doubt).  In a beautiful period (likely original) wood frame with attached gesso & carved liner measuring 29" x 35".  Lined on the original stretcher with minimal inpainting (less than 5%). This beautiful portrait will be the focal point of your room!

(#4078)     $6750

According to family history, this stunning portrait is of James Ramsey Boyce, born circa 1800.  The portrait was purportedly painted in Virginia.  The family commissioned a portrait of James' sister and preliminary work was started on the canvas.  James' sister purportedly died before the portrait was completed so the family asked to have James substituted in the portrait which was completed in 1833.  (I believe this portrait is much earlier than 1833.)

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