Lloyd Branson (Tennessee, 1861-1925) oil on board of his niece Susan Williams Branson (1892-1901). Subject is attired in a white dress with gold locket. Susan was a child musical prodigy and played the violin. She died of diphtheria when she was 9 years old. Possibly signed and dated upper left margin. Portrait is likely posthumous, after a photograph. Image of photograph included with photos. Housed in an oval gilt wood frame. Board – 17″ H x 13 3/4″ W. Sight – 16 3/8″ H x 13 3/8″ W. Framed – 23 3/4″ H x 20 1/2″ W. Biography: Branson is known as the first East Tennessee artist to receive formal art training in Europe (at the National Academy of Design in Paris) and studied at the National Academy of Design in New York. He returned to Tennessee and entered into a business partnership with Frank McCrary from 1885 to 1903, and became a leader in the East Tennessee arts community. (courtesy James A. Hoobler, Tennessee State Museum): Enoch Lloyd Branson was best known for his Southern portraits and depictions of East Tennessee history. He moved to New York in 1873 to study at the National Academy of Design, where he won a first prize in 1875. In a partnership with Frank McCrary from 1885 to 1903, Branson became a leader in the East Tennessee arts community. He was a mentor to Catherine Wiley and is credited with discovering Beauford Delaney. Research courtesy of James A. Hoobler, Tennessee State Museum. CONDITION: Losses to upper left and right margins, not visible with frame. Minor losses to lower corners. Accretions lower left quadrant.