$1,896
Thomas Waterman Wood (American, 1823-1903) Pair of Portraits: Ella Luthera Dewey and An Officer Ella Dewey signed and dated "T. W.Wood./1883" l.l., Officer signed "T.W. Wood." l.l. Both oil on canvas, sizes to 30 x 25 in. (76.5 x 63.5 cm), framed. Condition: Ella Dewey with craquelure, surface grime, Officer lined, scattered retouch. N.B. Ella Luthera Dewey Pitkin (1850-1879) was the second daughter of Charles and Betsy Tarbox Dewey. A note that accompanies the lot explains that the portrait at hand was one of two painted after her death by T.W. Wood, one having been done for her husband and one for her father. Two hand-written notes of similar content accompany the lot. The more complete one describes the portrait of Ella Luthera Dewey as follows: "Ella Luthera Dewey Pitkin, second daughter of Charles and Betsy Tarbox Dewey. Born in Montpelier Oct. 29, 1850. Married to Carrol Pitkin Nov. 19, 1873, in Christ Church, Montpelier, by Rev. ...Hull. Died May 30, 1879. This portrait was made after her death by Thomas W. Wood - probably in 1879 and 1880. (One of 2 portraits - 1 painted for her husband, 1 painted for her father." Officer with an T-shaped area of retouch to the left side of the nose and chin, measuring 1 inch across and 2 inches down. Scattered retouch along the perimeter. LIned. Ella Dewey with area of craquelure with lifing to l.r. corner, craquelure, slight canvas deformations to upper corners, varnish discoloration and surface grime.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2011-01-28
