SIZE
16 1/4 x 20 1/4” (sight)

DESCRIPTION
Unsigned oil on canvas attributed to American folk art portrait painter John Brewster (1766-1854). Old gallery/framer label indicates interesting provenance. Note Butterfield 8 phone exchange ( upper East Manhattan) recalls the 1960 film with Liz Taylor which was based on a 1930s novel. According to the Smithsonian there was some association between M/E Guild and Foster Brothers (Boston). Further research warranted.

Brewster was a prolific artist who produced more than 250 works. Unique in its smaller size this work has so many obvious affinities to known works by Brewster its hard to fathom it could be by anyone else. Several attributes indicate circa 1820’s Period.

CONDITION
Canvas was mounted to pulpy academy board circa first half 20th century. This was a typical conservation protocol for the time (even among museums) regardless of condition of paint or canvas. Black light reveals only one small area of in-painting: lower portion of white shirt. Period Gilt frame is appropriate albeit not original.

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

SOLD