Americana Exceptional Auction
Lot 15:
Description
Outstanding early American painting on canvas, circa 1830s-1840, a double portrait of a boy and his older sister. The sister has been identified by family history as Elizabeth Ann Seaman (1832-1909), born in Manhattan, the third great grandmother of the consignor. Seaman was the niece of George Steers, the naval architect who built the schooner “America” for members of the New York Yacht Club in 1851. Much conjecture — as far back as the early 20th century — surrounds the identity of the artist, as the faces are exceptionally well executed. One art restorer in the 1940s, W. van West (California), suggested that it looked like the work of Samuel F.B. Morse (and by coincidence, Elizabeth Seaman married an Isaac Morse in 1851, but Isaac had no relation to Samuel). The style is very close to several known works by Milton Hopkins, Erastus Salisbury Field and Joseph Whiting Stock. (Side note: ChatGPT suggested a resemblance to the work of Ammi Phillips, but we disagree.) Painting sight size is 41-1/2″ x 32-1/2″ in ornate gilt gesso 52-1/2″ x 43-1/2″ frame. This item will need to be shipped by a packing company of your choice. We maintain a list of reliable shippers, or you may choose your own.
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