American School, 19th Century)

the gentleman's portrait inscribed J. Lonsdale age 44 taken 12 of Augst 1829 on the reverse.

Found in Dartmouth, Massachusetts.

Very slight fading and some minor flaking to her. Antique mahogany-veneered frames: 8 3/4 by 7 1/2 inches.
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.

This pair of miniature portraits, as well as the pair offered as lot 5100, belong to a small group of exceptional portraits by an as-yet unidentified artist working in New England in the late 1820s. All are similar in their composition and execution, including the use of vibrant primary colors against black backgrounds, often with red curtains with gold tassels.

A portrait of Emma Clark (dated 1829) by this artist is in the collection of the Abby Aldrich Folk Art Center at Colonial Williamsburg. Additionally, two pairs of portraits were part of the American Folk Art Collection of Howard and Catherine Feldman (sale 5744) that sold in these rooms in June of 1988: a sea captain and his wife (lot 155) and two girls in blue dresses (lot 111, now offered here as lot 98). And a portrait of a mother and two children sold at Skinner, Inc. Boston, American Furniture & Decorative Arts, sale 2349, February 18, 2007, lot 143.