Thomas Sully (American, 1783-1872)

Portrait of Frances Anne Kemble, 1834
oil on paper laid to board
signed with monogrammed initials TS (lower right)
13 3/4 x 10 1/4 inches.

Property from the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, Florida

Provenance:

Horace H.F. Jayne

Gifted by the above to the present owner, by 1962

Exhibited:

Washington, DC, National Portrait Gallery, Mr. Sully, Portrait Painter, June 3 - September 5, 1983, no. 47, p. 88, illus.

In seemingly fine condition. With Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, Florida and The National Portrait Gallery labels to the reverse. Under UV light there appears to be an even varnish throughout, with a couple a small specks highlighting around the sitter’s left clavicle. There is thin vertical line of possible in-painting in the lower left corner, approximately 1 1/2” in length, but may be associated to previous framing treatments. A pin-sized abrasion appears in the background of the upper right quadrant, as does a small pin-sized spot of red paint that has likely been there since the work was executed. The work was likely laid to board sometime during the 20th Century for the purpose of preservation.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

To request further details about this lot, please email

Ben Fisher

Managing Director, Furniture and Decorative Arts

[email protected]312.447.3270

Mr. Fisher rejoined the firm in 2019 after working as a specialist in the American Furniture and Folk Art department at Sotheby’s New York. His areas of expertise include 18th, 19th, and 20th century American, Continental, and English furniture, decorative and folk art. Before coming to Hindman in 2013, Mr. Fisher worked in European Furniture and Decorative Arts in Philadelphia. He began his career working for a prints dealer focusing on works from the 16th through the 20th centuries.

Leah Vogelpohl

AVP, Specialist, American Furniture, Folk, and Decorative Arts

[email protected]513.666.4960

Ms. Vogelpohl joined the firm in 2013 as a cataloger in the American and European Furniture and Decorative Arts department. She became a department specialist in 2017, focusing on American decorative arts and silver. She received a BA from the College of Charleston and an MLITT in Art History from the University of Glasgow.

American Furniture, Folk & Decorative Arts

Thomas Sully (American, 1783-1872)

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup