Attributed to Washington Bogart Cooper (Tennessee, 1802-1888), Southern oil on canvas oval portrait of William Robinson Cornelius Jr. (1855-1945) depicted as a child of about 5-10 years old, attired in a black suit and white shirt. Unsigned. Conservation label en verso. Probably original oval rose and scroll molded giltwood frame. Sight - 30" H x 25" W. Framed - 38" H x 33" W. Circa 1860. Note: William Robinson Cornelius, Jr. was born in Nashville to William Robinson Cornelius, Sr., and Martha Dorris Cornelius. His father was an undertaker in Middle Tennessee, whose services were especially in demand during the Civil War. (According to his 1910 obituary, William Cornelius Sr. buried 25,000 citizens and 40,000 soldiers, "more than any man in Tennessee, and probably more than any man who is living today."). William Jr. did not follow his father into the funeral business, but instead became a grain broker. He lived in Nashville and married Lily Allen LeSueur, with whom he had five children. He is buried in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Nashville. (source: Findagrave.com). Provenance: the estates of Llewellyna and James T. Granbery, Historic Seven Springs Farm, Brentwood, Tennessee.

Professionally restored by Cumberland Art Conservation, Nashville, TN. Copy of conservation report available on request. UV light reveals some fluorescence to subject's right forehead area, extending into hairline, and some infill painting of a few scattered miniscule spots across face. There is also some fluorescence to coat area at edges of shoulder, and center chest area. Light craquelure throughout.