Winthrop Chandler, 1747-1790

Painted circa 1780

scattered in-painting throughout; surface glaze very shiny; horizontal stress cracks; great condition on reverse; scattered dabbings of in-paint in treet; dirt trapped under old varnish
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.

Winthrop Chandler was born on April 6, 1747, on the family farm located at the town line of Woodstock and Thompson, Windham County, Connecticut.  It has been said that he "studied the art of portrait painting in Boston," but there is no documentary evidence of his artistic training. 

In addition to some landscapes which have been attributed to him, he painted houses to supplement his meager income.  The precision with which he depicted houses in his landscape paintings is evidence of this special training.  He returned to the family farm in Connecticut and died there on July 29, 1790.

The Winthrop Chandler overmantel panel was originally part of the architectural decoration of the Ben Grovsner Inn, in Pomfret, Connecticut.  The inn, an early American building, was demolished in the late 1950's, the land purchased by the Pomfret School, the painting was preserved.  For many years it was on exhibition at Old Sturbridge Village, in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.