American School, likely Connecticut, early 19th century pastel on paper portrait of Enoch Paine, depicted seated in a chair and reading a document. Visible in the background are a case full of books and a chest, upon which sits more papers and a violin (only the handle is visible). The writing on the paper in his hand is largely illegible but "No. 1" is discernible. Original wide giltwood molded frame with acanthus carved corner ornaments. Sight - 9" H x 8" W. Framed - 13 1/2" H x 14 1/2" W. Provenance: Enoch Paine was born in Connecticut in 1790. He moved to Springfield, Illinois circa 1815, around the time of his marriage to Polly Grosvenor; according to family history, this portrait was painted around that same time, possibly as a wedding gift. Descended in the Paine family to Enoch Paine's second-great-grandson, the prominent portrait miniature collector Edward Grosvenor Paine (b. 1911, Springfield, Ill., d. 1994, New Orleans, Louisiana), then by descent to current consignors. Collection of J.C. and Anne Wilson, Nashville, Tennessee. (Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.caseantiques.com)

Painting in excellent condition. Frame has lost the upper left corner ornament and has some surface wear.