JOHN TOOLE (IRELAND / VIRGINIA, 1815-1860) FOLK ART PORTRAIT, oil on canvas, depicting a distinguished elderly gentleman, seated and clutching a red handkerchief. Signed, dated, and inscribed verso "John H. Wood / Born Oct. 28th 1785 / Painted by John Toole / Oct. 18th 1850". On original stretchers and housed in original black-painted molded frame. Circa 1850. 29" x 24" sight, 37 1/2" x 33" OA.
Catalogue Note: John Toole (1815-1860) was born in Dublin, Ireland but spent the majority of his life in Charlottesville, Virginia. He is known to have been painting professionally by 1832 and over his career executed a large number of portraits for Charlottesville, Albemarle Co., and other regional patrons. The University of Virginia holds Toile's papers, which contain detailed journal entries regarding his commissions. The sitter of the present lot, John H. Wood, is recorded in the 1860 census as a farmer with extensive holdings in Louisa Co., VA, just east of Charlottesville.
Condition
Original, as-found condition with significant flaking and paint loss to sitter's face and body. Some wear to frame.