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THBDocumented Charles Willson Peale Watercolor Portrait Miniature, David McMechen, c. 1775
About Seller
4310 Papermill Dr. NW
Knoxville, TN 37909
United States
Case Auctions is based in Knoxville, Tennessee, where our gallery is located, with satellite offices in Nashville, Tennessee and Kingsport, TN – but our reach is worldwide. Established in 2005, we conduct cataloged auctions of investment-quality art and antiques under the stewardship of knowledgeabl...Read more
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About Auction
LiveJul 6, 2024
Our July 6-7 Live Auction in Knoxville features more than 1,000 lots of Fine Art, Antiques and Jewelry from the founding family of Rogersville, TN, and from the historic Pinckney family of Charleston, SC; from the estate of William J. Eskind of Nashville; the living estate of Jerry Waters, Maryville, the estate of U.S. Ambassador Ron Schlicher of Brentwood, and from other fine estates and private and museum collections. Sale starts 9 AM Eastern Time on Saturday, July 6 (lots #1-671) and continues at 1 PM Sunday, July 7 (lots #672-1086) at our Knoxville Gallery, 4310 Papermill Drive. Case Auctions bid@caseantiques.com
View Full Catalog (670)
- Lot Description
Charles Willson Peale (Maryland/Pennsylvania, 1741-1827) watercolor miniature oval bust portrait of David McMechan (Maryland, c. 1754-1810). The sitter is depicted with powdered grey hair, a light blue or gray coat, a white embroidered waistcoat with pink flowers and green leaves, and a white cravat, set against a blue-grey background. Housed in the original rose gold metal case. Unsigned. Miniature measures: 1 15/16" H x 1 1/4" W.
Note: This miniature is documented in Charles Sellers Coleman's "Portraits and Miniatures by Charles Willson Peale." The listing reads: "Son of an immigrant from north Ireland to Virginia, David McMechen settled in Baltimore at the outbreak of the Revolution, figured early in public affairs, becoming an assemblyman and state senator, and amassing a fortune by his law practice. He died July 15, 1810, at about the age of sixty-five. c. 1775. Min. Ivory, 1 11/16 x 1 1/8. Powdered gray hair. Ruddy complexion. Gray coat. White vest embroidered with pink flowers and green leaves. Background blue-gray." A copy of the page listing and book cover is available to the winning bidder. Literature: Sellers, Charles Coleman. 1952. "Portraits and Miniatures by Charles Willson Peale." Philadelphia: American Philosophical Society, p. 138, no. 530.
Biographical note: "Charles Willson Peale was one of the most important American artists of the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. He helped found the first art academies in the United States and forged a uniquely American style of painting. In Colonial-era America, there were few options for men inclined toward the visual arts to receive training in painting, sculpture, and architecture. Charles Willson Peale, born in Maryland in 1745, was a visionary artist who set out to change the artistic landscape of the United States by establishing an academy on American soil so that aspiring artists could be trained at home rather than having to travel to Europe - an expensive and politically undesirable option...In 1794, he established the Columbianum, the first art school in the nation. This 'American Academy of Painting, Sculpture, Architecture and Engraving' enjoyed an opening exhibition at Independence Hall. Though it did not last for very long, it was soon replaced when Peale helped to found the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts ten years later...Peale was also heavily involved in the workings of his own museum, called the Peale Museum, which was the first institution of its kind in America. Opened on July 18, 1789 in Philadelphia, the collection showcased artifacts of natural history alongside portraits of famous Philadelphians." (Source: Woodmere Art Museum)
PROVENANCE: Private Knoxville, TN collection. By family descent through Mrs. John Hemsley Johnson (Emma), whose husband was the great-grandson of John Johnson, Sr., the fourth chancellor of Maryland from 1821-1824. John Johnson Sr. is the 4th great-grandfather of the present owner. A miniature portrait of Johnson, painted by Charles Willson Peale's brother, James Peale, is also featured in this auction.
Condition
Some discoloration to perimeter of miniature with some losses to the background, mid-left margin.
- Provenance
Private Knoxville, TN collection. By family descent through Mrs. John Hemsley Johnson (Emma), whose husband was the great-grandson of John Johnson, Sr., the fourth chancellor of Maryland from 1821-1824. John Johnson Sr. is the 4th great-grandfather of the present owner. A miniature portrait of Johnson, painted by Charles Willson Peale's brother, James Peale, is also featured in this auction.
- Shipping Info
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The UPS Store of Bearden 865-584-0081 (press 5), fax 865-584-0094 store2630@theupsstore.com
The UPS Store of Northshore Knoxville Contact – Eve 865-951-2499 store6461@theupsstore.com
John & Max Express LLC NOTE: large items & white glove delivery services only (driving range limitations may apply) Contact – Dina 865-230-1568 johnmaxexpress@gmail.com
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- Payment & Auction Policies
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Available payment options
Payment must be received no later than five (5) days after the sale.
If paying with a credit card, a 3% credit card processing fee will be applied to the final sales price (i.e. hammer price + buyer's premium + applicable taxes). If you have a credit card on file with Case, any winning bids will be automatically charged (up to $3000) along with applicable fees 72 hours after you receive your invoice unless other arrangements have been made.
If paying with wire transfer, please use the following information:
Bank: Pinnacle Bank
150 Third Avenue South, Suite 900
Nashville, TN 37201
Phone # (865) 766-3000
Swift Code: PNFPUS44
Routing, Transit, ABA: 064008637
Beneficiary: Case Antiques, Inc.
4310 Papermill Drive
Knoxville, TN 37909
Account #: NOT DISCLOSED (please refer to your invoice email for the Deposit Account Number or contact us )
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