Portrait of a Boy
Holding his Tin Horn

Northeast, probably New England or New York (Hudson River Valley) ca. 1840-1850. Oil on what appears to be linen.

A beautifully rendered portrait of a luminous young boy, maybe 2 or 3 years old, seated in a bamboo-form chair and shown wearing a dark green tartan dress with white lace collar and black velvet belt. He holds a small child’s tin horn, while at his waist is an elaborate engraved silver buckle or Scottish-inspired ornamental clasp.

The tartan dress reflects the tremendous popularity of Scottish romantic imagery in America during the mid-19th century, influenced by both Highland revival fashion and the widespread fascination with Queen Victoria’s embrace of Scottish culture. Young boys of the period were frequently dressed in skirts prior to “breeching,” and portraits such as this often represented a family’s aspirations toward gentility and fashion.

Gilded original frame of about 26 ½ inches x 22 ½. Virtually untouched, with craquelure, never lined. From a very long time New York State collection.