Early 19th century oil on canvas portrait of a young gentleman with dark hair and sideburns, possibly Jerome Bonaparte. The subject is depicted wearing a dark coat with white shirt and tie and stickpin. Unsigned. Housed in a 19th century giltwood and composition frame with arched opening at top and elaborately carved corners. 21" x 17" sight, 30" x 25" framed. Circa 1815. Note: Oral history contends the subject is a member of the Bonaparte family. Napoleon Bonaparte's brothers, Jerome and Joseph, both spent time in the United States, where they fathered children with American women. The marraige of Jerome Bonaparte (1784-1860) to Elizabeth Patterson, daughter of a wealthy Baltimore merchant, was annuled by Napoleon and he returned to Europe before the birth of their son. Joseph Bonaparte (1768-1844) settled in Bordentown, New Jersey with his mistress, Annette Savage, after being deposed as King of Spain. Provenance: The collection of internationally known ragtime pianist and historian Johnny Maddox, Gallatin, TN. (Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.caseantiques.com.)

Original canvas is bubbling up from re-lining, causing wrinkles. Canvas needs restoration; considerable flourescence suggesting overpainting or infill to hair and coat areas largest 4"L.; 3/4" loss with inpainting at left edge and 1" loss at right lower edge; scattered scratches and craquelure. Several small cracks and losses to frame, including a 2" loss at one corner.