Prior-Hamblin School Folk Art Portrait of a Young Woman
Item Details
School of Prior-Hamblin
Untitled (portrait), mid 19th century
Oil painting on canvas
Unsigned
An oil painting on canvas, mid-19th century. The work depicts a young woman wearing a deep green dress with gold and lace accents. The sitter is positioned against a curtained background, often a feature in itinerant portraits of this school.
The work is housed in the original American stretcher, with several labels present. These include an early 20th century sale label, a hand written note referencing William Matthew Prior, as well as a red inscribed museum accession number on the cardboard verso.
Based on the accession number, this portrait was included in an exhibition at the Cincinnati Art Museum in 1959, and was identified as in the School of Prior.
WIlliam Matthew Prior (American, 1806-1873) was a successful New England itinerant portrait artist during the middle of the 19th century. He was known for varying prices based on specific elements which would be included, and had a distinctive naive style, especially with portraits of children. He eventually opened a studio with his brother-in law Sturtevant Hamblin (American, 1837-1856). The two were prolific and their style of portraiture was adopted by many an itinerant painter. This manner of portrait executed became known as ‘Prior-Hamblin School’, given their significant influence in this distinctive American portrait styling.
Condition
- stretcher marks; craquelure and accretion across painting surface; light wear to frame.
Dimensions
- measures frame. Visible image measures 10.5" W x 14.5" H.
Item #
18CIN698-050