Lot 1038
  • 1038

William Matthew Prior (1806 - 1873)

Estimate
2,500 - 3,500 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • William Matthew Prior
  • Portrait of Eleanor Perry Conwell (1795-1846)
  • Oil on canvas
  • 26 by 22 in.
inscribed on the back of the canvas, From a Profile By W.M. Prior / 3rd Section, East Boston / Trenton Street, 1848; on original stretchers.

Provenance

By descent in the Conwell family to the current owner.

Condition

With scattered in-paint throughout.
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.

Catalogue Note

David Service Conwell (1793-1818) married Eleanor Perry (1795-1846). They were married December 1815. The name was originally spelled Cornwell but, as the story goes, Eleanor dropped the “r” after her husband was lost at sea in 1818.  A daughter Eliza was born to David and Eleanor in 1816. In 1840, she married George Stull (1809-1851) who was also lost at sea. She died in 1852.

A son, David, was born to David and Eleanor in 1818. He married Almira Taylor (1820-1881) about 1843. David died in 1898.

David Jr. worked the Grand Banks fishery after which he pursued carpentry. In 1848 he and cousin Stephen Cook started a business outfitting whaling and fishing vessels. Though the partnership dissolved, David continued on his own and became one of the leading merchants in Provincetown. He built Conwell’s wharf and a large warehouse and had financial interests in vessels. He was considered a devoted family man and represented Provincetown in the Legislature in 1888-1889.