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Attributed to
JOHN BREWSTER Jr.
Portrait of a Gentleman
New England, ca. early 19th century.
Oil on canvas. Painted half-length with the typical simple Brewster background that focuses attention on the sitter. Brewster rendered the clothing in well modeled detail, with black high-collared coat, white vest, and elaborate tie. The gentleman holds an intriguing envelope, with red wax seal. Often a book is seen as a device to communicate literacy, yet the presence of an envelope is very unusual. What could it have held to gain such prominence in his portrait?
John Brewster Jr. (1766-1854) was a deaf-mute.....,
“Lollipop” Butter Print
.....sale pending
Probably Northeast, ca. early to mid-19th century.
Hardwood, likely maple. Hand-carved with a hex-lobed star, each lobe separated by small flowers or sun-bursts. The back with geometrics, the handle with cross-hatching. Good color and surface, about 9 inches long, 2 ¾ diameter print.
See a very similar example on page 120 of “Butter Prints and Molds”, Paul Kindig. About 9 inches long x 2 ¾ inch diameter print.
Round Double-Sided Butter Print
Probably Northeast, ca. early to mid-19th century.
Hardwood, likely maple. Hand carved with a pineapple on one side (the pineapple often symbolizing “welcome”) the reverse with what appears to be a sunflower (an early symbol of adoration, loyalty or longevity). Carved incurved side wall.
Similar sunflower examples are shown on pages 138-139 of Butter Prints and Molds, Paul Kindig. About 3 5/8 diameter x 1 ¼ deep.
Delightful
Paint Decorated
Taper-Leg Stand
.....SOLD
New England, probably Maine, ca. early 19th century.
Original sponged paint decoration on pine. Consistent with light and airy Federal (Hepplewhite) design, this stand is highlighted by long tapered legs accentuated by a thin apron and drawer, and a very thin slightly overhanging top. The whole with a yellow paint ground, enhanced with sponging on the top, the drawer and front legs accented by olive and black line decoration. The brass pull appears original. Feather lightweight. Excellent structural condition with minor expected paint wear.
A leggy 28 inches tall by 18 ½ wide by 15 deep. See AMERICAN FANCY, Sumpter Priddy, for a brilliant discussion of the use of colorful paint decoration in early America..
Militia Canteen
in Terrific Blue Paint
New England, “cheesebox form” ca. 1800-1825 (War of 1812 era).
Appears to be pine top and bottom and perhaps ash as the sidewall. Beautiful original blue paint centered by the initials P.R.C., probably for the militiaman for whom it was made. The pride of being a member of the militia was so strong that canteens were often decoratively embellished to represent the militia company, this one in such good condition likely used just for ceremonies.
About 6 3/8 inch diameter x 2 1/4 tall. Provenance: includes Sam Forsythe; private Northeast collection.
Ship Portrait of the Isaac Webb
Black Ball Line
At Castle Garden
New York
19th century. Signed lower left L.A. Brigg. Dated [18]51. Watercolor and pencil on paper, showing the Isaac Webb leaving the New York City harbor, with side-winder paddle-wheelers in the background, as well as buildings and other tall ships near Castle Garden in an unusual vignette. Prominent display of American flags aboard ship and at the harbor.
The Black Ball Packet Line was founded in 1817 at New York City by shipbuilder William H. Webb, who owned 1/16 share of the ship named after his father Isaac. From 1851 to 1879, the Isaac Webb, which was 185 feet long weighing 1,359 tons, traveled between NYC and Liverpool, England 4 times per year, taking typically 37 days to cross. The Webb was captured by a Confederate ship, the Florida in June, 1863. After paying a $40,000 ransom (about $1,600,000 now) the ship was released. In December 1866, while heading west to New York, the Webb encountered a gale so cold that it killed three crew members with several others badly frostbitten. The captain was killed during a fierce gale on the same route two years later.
In a period gilt frame that may be original. Frame size 26 inches x 20; sight size 21 inches x 15. From a fine private Midwestern collection.
Exceptional Schoolgirl Coastal Riverscape or Inlet and Townscape
New England, ca. 1820.
Likely Portland, Maine.
Watercolor, pen & ink, on paper.
This painting excels with boldly saturated blues and verdant greens and a composition rich with cool vignettes, featuring a large ocean sailing ship, flying the American flag, likely safely anchored from the Atlantic within the river.....
Provenance includes a private midwestern collection; Jon and Rebecca Zoler, Sotheby’s 2005; private Portland Maine collection; F.O. Bailey, 1988.
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