Thomas Ware (1803-1836)

Pencil inscription on back of panel of Mr. Dustin portrait reads Father's Mother's Brother Kimball Dustin. 

Robert W. Skinner Auctions, Bolton, Massachusetts

Arthur B. Kern and Sybil B. Kern, "Thomas Ware: Vermont Portrait Painter," The Clarion, Winter 1983/84, pp. 36-45, fig. 23, 24.

Him: fly specks, panel somewhat bowed. Her: touch up in face; around collar at right, dirt under 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.

The portraits were most likely painted in the Pomfret-Woodstock area of Vermont. An 1820 Census of Vermont lists a Nathaniel Dustin of Sharon, Vermont, seven miles from Pomfret and a Gardner Dustin from Rochester Vermont about 20 miles from Pomfret. Kimball may have been a part of this family. For further information and extensive listing of all of the known works by Thomas Ware, please see Sybil and Arthur Kern’s excellent article: “Thomas Ware, Vermont Portrait Painter”, published in The Clarion, The Museum of American Folk Art, New York City, Winter, 1983-1984, pp. 36-45