American School, possibly Southern, early to mid 19th century genre painting depicting two black children, ages about 7 to 15, playing with three younger white children and a dog in a household setting, with fireplace and table in the background. Unsigned. Later molded giltwood frame. Note written on tape en verso of frame states the painting came from the (Lela?-illegible) Shelburne estate ("husband Southern."). 26 1/2" H x 23 1/2" W sight, 31" x 28 1/2" framed. Provenance: the estate of Victor T. Patterson, Franklin, TN. Note: born in Georgia and educated at the Parsons School of Design, Victor Patterson served as a cultural representative to Russia with Dwight D. Eisenhower's "People to People" program (prior to its privatization) before moving to the Nashville, Tennessee area to pursue a career in interior design. He was associated with Bradford's for many years before starting his own business. He decorated the Tennessee Governor's Mansion and the home of several country music stars in the 1970s, and filled his home on Franklin's historic Fourth Avenue with art and antiques from his frequent travels.

Relined and revarnished. UV light reveals a 3" possible repair lower right quadrant near frame edge. 2 possible repairs lower left quadrant near frame edge. 4 linear puncture marks near center right edge, 1/4" to 1/2" in length.