355

Lot 355: c.1820,Reverse Paintings-Washington

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:NA Estimated At:1,000.00 - 1,500.00 USD
Lot  355: c.1820,Reverse Paintings-Washington
<b>Washington Related</b><hr><b>Reverse Paintings on Glass
</b>

<b>c. 1820, Reverse Paintings on Glass of George & Martha Washington.</b>
Unsigned (weÕve seen some signed by W.M. Prior and others with his label on the reverse); this piece follows Prior rather closely and may be a production copy, perhaps even by him. The paintings measure 17.5' x 22' (the frame is slightly larger).
Washington is exquisitely painted in warm earth tones, subtle grays, whites, and tans. This simple, original gilt-framed, life-size portrait features George fastidiously attired in a ruffled shirt and high collar black coat of the era. Some of the paint has begun to chip and fall away in the painted backgrounds, but WashingtonÕs face and hair are almost completely intact.
Martha appears in a fur-lined shawl/bonnet arrangement, with a somewhat stern appearance. As with most of these old paintings, some of the paint has begun to chip and fall away in the painted backgrounds, but MarthaÕs face is almost completely intact. The only noticeable flaw is a spot of paint missing from her widowÕs peak. The wooden frame is probably contemporary. Always popular, these reverse paintings make great display pieces.