$19,975
Attributed to Gilbert Stuart (England and American 1755-1828) Portrait of Colonel Thomas Dawes (1731-1809), Boston, c. 1806. Unsigned. Oil on panel. The distinguished gentleman is portrayed seated in a red upholstered gilt chair holding a red and gilt book on Architecture by Palladio in front of red drapery flanked by a classical column, sight size 31 3/4 x 25 3/4 in., in an original gilt leaf carved frame. Condition: Cleaned, minor inpainting and re-varnishing. Provenance: This portrait descended in the family and was donated by Colonel Thomas Dawes' great great great great granddaughter, Mrs. George A. Matteson, Jr., to the Old Dartmouth Historical Society in New Bedford, Massachusetts, in the 1970s. This institution is now part of the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Note: Colonel Thomas Dawes called "Boston's Patriot Architect," is known to have influenced the important Boston architect, Charles Bulfinch, and is believed to have worked with him on the Old State House in Boston among other important buildings. He was the designer of the 1772 Brattle Street Church now Government Center Plaza. He was an ardent patriot having served as a Colonel in the provincial militia before the revolution. Following the war he served in various important public offices. The artist of this work, Gilbert Stuart, is considered America's best known portrait painter. His major works include those of George Washington, Benjamin West, and Sir Joshua Reynolds. This portrait bears a textured rathe Read more…
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2004-06-06
