Post-Revolutionary War to Civil War
Impressive "Saint-Memin" a.k.a. Charles Julien de Saint-Memin's Profile Portrait of Philadelphia Merchant and Light Horse Captain "John Morgan Price" (1771-1828) this Conte-Crayon Portrait documented as an Illustration Plated in the reference: "Saint-Memin and the Neoclassical Profile Portrait in America" by Ellen G. Miles as Item 672
c. 1798, Charles Julien de Saint-Memin, Original Artwork Conte-Crayon Profile Portrait of "John Morgan Price" listed and illustrated in the master reference book, "Charles Julien de Saint-Memin and the Neoclassical Profile Portrait in America" by Ellen G. Miles, Extremely Fine.
This Exact Portrait is listed and illustrated in the master reference book, "Charles Julien de Saint-Memin and the Neoclassical Profile Portrait in America" by Ellen G. Miles, issued by the National Portrait Gallery at the Smithsonian Institution, listed on page 374, as item number 672. Original and authentic, this handsome Portrait measures 20.5" x 15" in a Conte-Crayon Profile Portrait, wholly created by noted artist Charles Julien de Saint-Memin. This original artwork is housed within its original period Gold-Gilt frame to an overall size of 28.25" x 22.5". John Morgan Price (1771-1828) was a noted Philadelphia merchant and member of the Third Troop of Philadelphia Light Horse, serving as its Captain from 1808 to 1810.
Saint-Memin likely produced this portrait while in Philadelphia between 1798 to 1803. The early period paper has a large watermark with a Crowned Fleur-de-lis and "PDV & Co." This framed artwork is accompanied by four short handwritten notes, each attached to the back of the frame, that attest to its provenance. Nicely framed and ready to hang on display, we recorded a similar example having sold previously at an auction house located in Mount Crawford, Virginia selling for $14,950. (Newspaper clipping attached to the reverse of the paintings frame.) A most attractive, fresh and clean museum quality example of St. Memin's artwork.
1. The first original note is well worn and is from a prior owner noting that it is a "crayon" piece of "John M Price." It refers to the fact that he may be able to identify the exact painting by looking it up in Saint-Memin's book.
2. A second note, located directly beneath the first, confirms the origin of this painting being located in Saint-Memin's reference book, as well as information concerning its new owner.
3&4 The final two handwritten notes on paper are more modern listings, one owner as "John Milley," and the other as "John Hays, American Dec.(orative) Arts, Christie's (NY)."
It was Philadelphia that Saint-Memin moved his business to from New York, and ultimately painted over 270 portraits, including two historic Memorial images of George Washington. Saint-Mmin's other sitters included Senators, Congressmen, and Presidential Cabinet Members in the Federal government. Saint-Memin also attracted important local merchants, such as John Morgan Price, as painted here, along with other various notable Landowners, French migrs like himself, and various Ranking Members of the United States Army, Navy, and Marine Corps.
A lovely eye-catching portrait, being an exemplary piece amongst Saint-Memin's larger artworks. This original Saint-Memin is well documented and in a very early frame with decorative, hand-painted outer borders. A Museum quality piece, which is ready for hanging on gallery display. Provenance: From a descendant of the sitter to Robert Toland Jr., to the current consignor.