03-01-201503-01-2015
Skinner Auctions
Skinner AuctionsBoston MA
2786BBoston
March 1, 2015 10:00 AMCalender
4

American School, Late 18th Century, After Charles Willson Peale (1741-1827) Portrait Miniature of George Washington as Colonel of the F

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$9,225$7,500
Auction: American Furniture & Decorative Arts - 2786BLocation: BostonDate / Time: March 01, 2015 10:00AM

Description:

American School, Late 18th Century, After Charles Willson Peale (1741-1827)

Portrait Miniature of George Washington as Colonel of the First Virginia Regiment. Unsigned. Oil on tinned copper, showing the Colonel waist-length facing left, on a light brown background, 5 3/4 x 4 1/2 in., in a silvered molded wood frame.

Note: The present lot is a faithful copy of the famous 1772 portrait of George Washington by the patriarch of the Peale family of painters, Charles Willson Peale, showing the Colonel in his uniform c. 1760-62, the first known likeness of the future first President. The artist here has rounded Washington's face slightly, enlarged his eyes, and simplified the background from a landscape to a softened palette implying a depth of field. He has otherwise been very careful in reproducing the details, including a shirt buckle above the gorget and the inscription on the paper in the Colonel's front left pocket, reading "Order of March."
Estimate $4,000-6,000

Tiny spots of paint loss at the upper right corner, near the top edge at the center, in the background near Washington's left elbow, and near the cuff of his left sleeve. Evidence of frame shadow along top and right edges.


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.

Keywords

George Washington, Colonel, Charles Willson Peale, American School, Virginia, First Virginia Regiment, future first President