John White Alexander 1856-1915

Wax lined. The surface is flat but with scattered areas of impasto. Under UV light: fine retouching in the sky at upper left.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The Van Wagenen family commissioned Alexander to paint their children Kathrina and her younger brother Garrat Bleecker.  They are pictured standing on the banks of the St. Lawrence River in the Thousand Islands region of upstate New York.  Their grandfather was Anthony Bleecker (1770-1827), a poet and active participant in the cultural affairs of New York during his life.  He was a co-founder of the New York Historical Society and a trustee of the New York Society Library from 1810 until 1826.  Bleecker Street, in Manhattan's Greenwich Village, is named after him because it ran through the family farm.