English School, mid-19th century, oil on canvas group portrait of a family of four with dog and pony. The family is depicted in an outdoor setting beneath a tree, with the mother attired in a white lace trimmed dress with bright red sash or belt and holding a parasol; the father attired in a black suit, holding a top hat and leaning against a gate; and the son attired in a white suit trimmed in blue, leaning against a pony and holding a hat and riding crop. The daughter is attired in a blue satin dress, standing with the pony's bridle in her hands and a small dog at her feet. Canvas is stamped en verso "Brown, 163 High Holborn, London" in two places, for Thomas Brown, a leading supplier of canvas and painting materials to Royal Academy artists in London. (Brown was located at this address from c. 1805-1853, according to the archives of the National Portrait Gallery, London). Faded "James P. Silo, auctioneer, NYC" label bottom right corner frame stretcher. Housed in a deeply carved period Neoclassical style giltwood frame with laurel, acorn and oak leaf molding; frame retains one upper corner spandrel. Unsigned. Sight - 35" H x 39 3/4" W. Framed - 46 1/4" H x 50 1/2" W. Circa 1845. Note: Although unsigned, this very traditional portrait reflects the earlier influence of London's 18th century Grand Manner paintings in its size, composition and opulence, depicting fashionably dressed subjects in a landscape setting and even incorporating the family pets. It is similar to works of the period by British Royal Academy artists Francis Grant and Ramsey Richard Reinagle. Provenance: Nashville, Tennessee, estate, descended in an early Charlottesville, Virginia, family. (Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.caseantiques.com)

Painting on original canvas with recent restoration to stabilize some areas of loose and flaking paint. A small amount of inpainting was done to the trees and the woman's white skirt. Moderate retouching done to tree trunk center over man's head and to woman's right eye. Three tears repaired with patches evident en verso on right side. New varnish applied. Marked alligatoring to canvas, with multiple bullseye drying cracks, left upper quadrant. Canvas is embrittled and appears to have been originally pieced with 34" L vertical seam evident en verso. Minor grime and accretions to left side along frame edge. Frame has moderate losses to gilding with right arch detail missing and left arch detail loose.