Ruth Whittier Shute (New Hamphshire, 1803-1882)
Pair of Portraits of Mr. Christopher Forehand and Mrs. Betsey Forehand
Inscribed "Mr. Christopher Forehand, Aged 47 years, Painted by Mrs. Shute, Dec. 14, 1833" and "The Portrait of Mrs. Betsey Forehand, Aged 35 years, painted by Mrs. Shute" on the back of the portraits.
Oil on canvas, 27 3/4 x 24 1/2 in., in modern black-painted frames with gilt liners.
Condition: Laid down on fiberglass, repaired tears, inpainting especially at edges.
Provenance: Skinner, May 11, 1978, Lot 47.
Literature: Bert and Gail Savage, "Mrs. R. W. and S.A Shute," Maine Antique Digest, August 1978, p. 3B; Jacqueline Oak, "American Folk Portraits in the Collection of Sybil B. and Arthur B. Kern," The Magazine Antiques, September 1982, p. 566.
Exhibitions: Reflections of 19th Century America: Folk Art from the Collection of Sybil B. and Arthur B. Kern, Museum of Our National Heritage, Lexington, Massachusetts, September 19, 1979-June 15, 1980.
The Arthur & Sybil Kern Collection of American Folk Art
Estimate $10,000-15,000
The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.