August Americana
Description:
John Brewster, Jr. (Connecticut/Maine, 1766-1854)
Pair of Portraits of Deacon Benjamin Titcomb (1726-1798) and his wife Anne Pearson Titcomb (1729-1800)
Signed, dated and inscribed "Painted by John Brewster ___ 1798" (on the stretcher of Anne Titcomb's portrait)
Oil on canvas, 30 x 25 in., in the original molded and beaded giltwood frames.
Condition: paintings very well preserved, frames with some gesso loss.
Provenance: Originally housed in the Quinby Mansion, in Stroudwater, Maine; descended through family from the sitters, to the consignor, Deacon Benjamin Titcomb's Great-great-great-great granddaughter.
Literature: According to the writer of New England Family History, Volume 2, whose information was sourced from a handwritten note penned by Andrew Titcomb, Benjamin's son, the Deacon "was a man of fine personal appearance, tall and well-proportioned. He dressed well, wearing a full-bottomed wig and small-clothes, and was a very worthy and influential citizen." He married Anne Pearson, daughter of Portland Deacon Moses Pearson (pp. 195-96),in 1753. Photographs of these portraits are illustrated in that book, which was published in the early 20th century.
Estimate $30,000-50,000
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.
Keywords
Anne Pearson, John Brewster , Jr., John Brewster, Anne Pearson Titcomb, Andrew Titcomb, Benjamin Titcomb, Moses Pearson, Anne Titcomb, Portland Deacon Moses, Deacon Benjamin Titcomb, StroudwaterStephen L. Fletcher
Partner/Executive Vice President and Chief Auctioneer
Director of American Furniture & Decorative Arts
508-970-3000
Christopher D. Fox
Vice President
Director, Historic Arms & Militaria
Associate Deputy Director, American Furniture & Decorative Arts
508-970-3200
Paul O’Hara
Business Administrator, American Furniture & Decorative Arts
508-970-3224
American Furniture & Decorative Arts
From the heart of New England, the American Furniture & Decorative Arts department regularly uncovers treasures with rich and enduring history and hosts auctions to world-wide renown.