August Americana
Description:
William Matthew Prior (Massachusetts, Maine, 1806-1873)
Portrait of a Child in a Blue Dress Holding a Riding Crop
Unsigned.
Oil on board, 13 1/2 x 9 3/4 in., in a tiger maple grain-painted frame.
Condition: Minor losses, abrasions through face, scattered minor inpainting.
Provenance: A typed note on the backing cardboard indicates that this painting came from "the most important early collection of American primitives that was ever assembled. It was known as the Halliday-Thomas collection. They lived in Sheffield, Massachusetts, and a number of illustrations from their collection appear in some of the books on primitives. Not too long ago, the collection in its entirity [sic], around 1,000 paintings was purchased by Williamsburg. There were many duplicates, of course, and Williamsburg later sold those that they did not need to a friend of ours from New England, from whom we purchased this..."
Estimate $2,000-3,000
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
William Matthew, Matthew PriorStephen 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.