2008-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2008
Original 1848 dated fine quality, detailed, professional, profile portrait of a seated elderly lady (just her wide, fancy lace-edged shawl and lace-edged bonnet are highlighted by a silver tinted colorant). 11 x 14. Completely authentic signature in corner "ALEX. EDOUART, Fecit OCT. 16'th, 1848." Originally the artist had been misidentified as "Augustin Edouart" a renowned silhouettist (1789-1861) who worked 10 years in America (1839-1849) and produced a large number of the silhouettes during those years including quite a few of Jewish notables (all well-recorded in various art works). However, a closer look and research of the name ALEXANDER EDOUART has proven it to be the SON of Augustin E. (1818-1892) a portrait and landscape painter known living in New York City (and exhibiting there) in 1840-1850 later going to California. (Copy of his bio in "N. Y. Historical Society's Dictionary of Artists in America" as verification). Of equal importance is the authentic penned label (3 x 8) affixed to back of the frame obviously placed there almost a century ago (or earlier) displaying typical and unmistakably genuine aging and inscribed: "FRANCES NOAH, AUNT OF MAJOR M.M. NOAH OF NEW YORK…WIFE OF EPHRAIM HART OF NEW YORK AND MOTHER OF HARRIET JUDITH, WIFE OF BENJAMIN HART OF MONTREAL. DIED AT MONTREAL 1863 AGE 85 YEARS. ALSO AUNT OF COMMANDER URIAH P. LEVY, U.S.N." Portrait in its original 15 x 18 bird's-eye maple (with mellow patina) gilt lined frame. Some small nicks/chips only on extreme edges, could use a good cleaning. In untouched original condition. With photostats of the artist's bio sketch as well as bio's of Ephraim Hart (1747-1825) of New York which makes specific mention of his marriage to Frances Noah in 1783 and that she was definitely the "aunt of the noted Mordecai Manuel Noah of New York." Both of those men played prominent roles in early American Jewish and colonial life. (M. M. Noah's prominence especially notable.) A rare Jewish portrait with a fine historical association. Exc. condition.
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