WILLIAM MATTHEW PRIOR
Massachusetts/Maine, 1806-1873
Circa 1840 bust-length portrait of a toddler boy wearing a brilliant red dress and holding a whip. Unsigned. Housed in a period, possibly the original, mahogany veneer frame. Larger than Prior's typical oil on boards and an outstanding example of the artist's work.
Oil on artist board, 16" x 12". Framed 21" x 17".

Provenance:
Marguerite Riordan, Stonington, Connecticut, February 11, 1991.
The Collection of Nancy & Larry Dickson.

Although the painting presents very well under natural light, UV examination reveals some small spots of paint restoration: mostly in the arms, fingers, two areas in the neck, and very small spots in the face. Crimping to the artist board in the bottom left and right corners. Very slight bow to the board.

The absence of a condition report does not imply an object is free of defects. All items may have normal signs of age and wear commensurate with their age; these issues will likely not be mentioned in the condition report. Please contact Eldred's before the auction with any condition questions. Questions about condition will not be answered after purchase. Condition reports are provided as a courtesy, and we are not responsible for any errors or omissions. Important note on frames: Frames are not guaranteed to be in the same condition as they are in the item photograph. Due to handling and shipping, many frames, especially antique ones, are prone to losses. If you have questions about the condition of a frame, please contact us prior to the auction.