SIZE
4 x 3 1/2” (frame)

DESCRIPTION

Small charming profile portrait water color on paper. Unique vernacular morticed frame with gesso and gold is original and possibly made by Gillespie himself.

The seminal reference on Gillespie is by Payne and Payne “Six choices for the sitter” in the Journal Incollect, August 2013. They identified this itinerant artist as James Gillespie who in 1828 relocated from England to Halifax Nova Scotia then subsequently traveled the New England coast garnering commissions as far south as Maryland.

This portrait perhaps conforms to the so called “Style 5” by Payne and Payne: “first advertised at $2 and later raised to $4. The face appears in profile, with watercolor, ink, and pencil used to model the features.” As with examples in the Abby Aldridge Rockefeller collection this portrait shows Gillespie’s predilection for stippled shading at the base of the oval background. Also typical is the minute and elaborate detailing of facial features, hair, and clothing.

CONDITION
Moderate toning. Otherwise excellent condition. Please see photos.

(Please call shop for questions or in-hand condition report)

SOLD

Shipping: $10

There’s no sales tax for items shipped outside Missouri