Cosmo Alexander 1724-1772

each signed and dated C Alex ^{r pingebat / AD 1770} lower left.



Both in the original carved giltwood frames.

Pam McLellan Geddy, "Cosmo Alexander's Travels and Patrons in America," The Magazine Antiques, November, 1977, Vol. CXII, No. 5, pp. 972-978, Pl. III - Pl. IV
Profile, The Valentine Museum, Vol. 13, No. 4, August 1976

'Girl with Squirrel': some touch-ups scattered throughout, thinly painted; 'Girl with Lamb': some minor in-paint scattered, though not much, overall in good condition; both relined and restretched.
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.

A Scottish portraitist, Cosmo Alexander was in the American colonies between 1766 and 1772.  He is primarily remembered as the teacher of Gilbert Stuart, who became his assistant in Newport, Rhode Island in 1769 and who accompanied him to Edinburgh in 1771.

With emphasis on solid form, Alexander painted many portraits in the Colonies in Philadelphia in 1766; New York City in 1767; Philadelphia return in 1768; Burlington (New Jersey), Philadelphia and Boston in 1769; Newport (Rhode Island) in 1769-70, Williamsburg, Virginia and Charleston, South Carolina.

(Excerpted from: Peter Hastings Falk, Who Was Who in American Art, 1564-1975, 400 Years of Artists in America, Sound View Press, September, 1999)