$4,994
Anglo and/or American School, 18th Century Two Portrait Miniatures on Ivory of American Revolutionary War Figures John Andre a The subjects both identified by accompanying clipped articles from a periodical, probably an old auction catalog. The first, identified as (Major) John Andre by James Scouler, (Scottish, c. 1740-1812), depicted en grisaille on ivory, in a left-profile half-length portrait, wearing an open coat with frilled cravat, and a tricorn hat with cockade, 1 1/4 x 1 in., in an oval gold case with a lock of his plaited hair contained in a compartment on the reverse. The article states "From the collection of Francis Wellesley, sold at Sotheby's 1920." The second miniature depicting a bust-length portrait of (Major General Baron) Johann Dekalb (1721–1780), watercolor on ivory, wearing a powdered wig, blue military coat with a red collar, white shirt and lace cravat, 1 1/8 x 1 7/8 in., in an oval gold case. Note: Major John Andre was a British spy during the American Revolution, caught with documents signed by Benedict Arnold to accept a bribe to cede West Point to the enemy. He was imprisoned and hung October 2, 1780. In 1777, German-born and French military trained Johann DeKalb accompanied General Lafayette to go to America to assist the colonists in their fight. He was appointed major-general and served on Washington's staff at Valley Forge. He went on to fight in battles in New Jersey and Maryland before being ordered South in April 1780 to aid General
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2007-02-18
