Striking Folk Art Portrait of Young Oliver Peck
New England, likely Massachusetts, ca. 1831-1842.
Provenance includes the
METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART
Oil on canvas. In the continuum of folk portraits between formal and primitive, there is a “sweet spot. This dramatic portrait nails that sweet spot! The toddler boy stands with aid from a chair, is elaborately attired in a fashionable patterned “long dress”, and that expression! Note how the artist cleverly focused the viewer on his upper body and face by allowing the chair to “shadow” everything below......
Choice Slip Combware Plate .....sale pending
England, ca. late 18th century. Small round size of just 8 inches in diameter. Crisp color-contrast of trailed brown slip against a warm ground. Coggled edge. Superb condition with minor wear. Provenance includes The Boyce Collection; Nathan Liverant and Son, 1980; personal collection of Lew Scranton; private New England collection.
Soulful Early
Painted and Engraved Looking Glass
Northeast, probably New England, ca. 18th century. White pine, dry, worn slate-gray paint on the front with and rich natural patina on the back. Ambitiously shaped structure to secure the glass, topped by a crest engraved with central flowers above pierced diamonds, flanked by scrolled ears. The design balanced by a scrolled apron. Cool carved invected corners. The molded frame joined by wooden pins on the front, the back with wrought nails, including an unusual carved rail holding the hanging rope......
Needlework “Watch” Case Dated 1798
Skillfully worked, possibly Quaker, dated 1798, initialed HR separated by a heart above facing birds. Thick wool with what appears to be a linen liner. Believed to have been created to house and protect a prized watch. Exceptional condition. Not including tassels about 5 inches tall.
Rare Large Early Velvet Corn.....sale pending
American, ca. 1840-1870. Painted velvet and felt, firmly stuffed with what appears to be sawdust. Velvet fruits and other vegetables (like carrots) are readily found, yet early corn examples are seldom encountered. Surprisingly weighty and a full 8 inches long. Private collection, acquired long ago at the Wilton Antique Show from Don Walters.
Fine Pair
Ballroom Sconces
Probably New England, possibly Connecticut, ca. late 18th/early 19th century. Concave elliptical back-plates in rolled sheet iron dipped in molten tin originally to create highly reflective surfaces. Edges crimped for strengthening and decoration, the candlearms also reinforced with fluting and braces. Exceptionally fine dry surfaces. Substantial size at about 14 inches overall height by 8 ¾ wide. Provenance: Private Northeast collection. See The Collection of Susan and Raymond Egan, Northeast Auctions, August, 2006 for a similar grouping of ballroom sconces with known Connecticut origin.