Charles Willson Peale (1741-1827)

George Vaux, 1854
Sale: Freeman's, Philadelphia, April 17, 1999, lot 718
Acquired by the present owner at the above sale

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1988

Charles Coleman Sellers, Portraits and Miniatures by Charles Willson Peale, Philadelphia, 1952, no. 772, p.190,  llustrated no. 290, p. 339

Please note the correct estimate for this lot is $30,000 - 50,000 on canvas backed with masonite; heavy craquelure; lots of separation chipping thru-out.
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.

William Sansom was a great patron of the city of Philadelphia for whom Sansom Street was originally named.  According to Charles Coleman Sellers, " In 1854 the painting was purchased by George Vaux at the instance of his sister-in-law, Hannah Samson, a daughter of William.  When the picture was brought home, however, members of the family, to the amusement of some and to the chagrin of "Aunt Hannah," identified it as her uncle, Joseph Sansom.  The identification was fixed by an inscription on the back of the painting ' Joseph Sansom, My great-uncle  on my mother's side, a man of culture in his day and an early antiquarian. Born 2/13/1767, Died 10/4/1826'  " (Portraits and Miniatures by Charles Willson Peale, Philadelphia, 1952, p.190). The note, now lost, was signed George Vaux, VIII.