Pair 19th century portraits. Subjects of the painting are John E. (likely Emery) Noyes and his wife, Almyra Baker Noyes, of Louisville, Kentucky, circa 1860-65. Both are depicted seated in Victorian Rococo Revival style chairs with red upholstery; Mr. Noyes holds a book and Mrs. Noyes holds an open ambrotype or daguerreotype. She also wears a portrait brooch containing a miniature painting of Mr. Noyes at her lace collar. According to census records, John Noyes was born circa 1816 in Pennsylvania and moved to the Louisville Kentucky area, where he met and married his wife, Almyra (Allie) Noyes. Their three children were born in Kentucky (their portrait is also offered in this auction). John Noyes also spent considerable time in New Albany, Indiana, where he was on the building committee that established the Disciples of Christ Church at Lower Third and Market Streets; he later served as one of its ministers. He purchased property in New Albany in 1865 and from that site sold boots, shoes and dry goods. In 1879 he lost the building to sheriff's sale (although it still stands). In the 1880 census he listed himself as a schoolteacher, living in Louisville with his family. He is buried in the Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville. Provenance: descended in the family of Noyes eldest son, Charlie, to Charlie's daughter Ada Belle, before being gifted to present consignor. (Higher-resolution photos are available at www.caseantiques.com)
Condition
John E. Noyes portrait - old repair and poor restoration to mouth and right nostril area, restoration and inpainting to left background margin, paint losses at collar, vest and coat area of middle torso, flaking to margins of background. Almyra B. Noyes portrait - possible scattered touch up to hair, exfoliation and losses to part of right hand and lower ege of same forearm. Both portraits have a white primer paint applied to the canvas verso but do not appear relined.