Lot 1243: Pr. 19th Cent. O/C Pendant Portraits, signed Artmann

Two American School, possibly Midwestern, oil on canvas bust length pendant portraits depicting a lady and gentleman, presumably a married couple. The subjects appear to be in their fifties or sixties, with the lady wearing a lace bonnet and collar and a dark green dress, while the gentleman wears a dark coat and white tie. Each is signed illegibly lower right and dated 1852. Portrait of a lady appears to be signed “Eg. Artmann,” and portrait of man appears to be signed “Eg. Artm.” Housed in matching simple wooden frames. Both sights: 20 in. H x 17 in. W. Both frames: 21 5/8 in. H x 18 1/2 in. W.  

PROVENANCE: The collection of Marty and David Black, Rockford, TN.

CONDITION: Portrait of man with 2 1/2-inch long scratch to paint layer across forehead and into hair line plus several scratches to varnish layer, or abrasions without loss, to chest, longest 6 1/2 inches. Repairs with retouching and inpainting above and to chest of woman, largest 3 1/2 inches x 1 inch to lower right, in dress, and to lower left of man, in jacket, 1 inch x 3/4 inch. Both paintings with retouching to frame abrasions plus scattered retouching throughout, outside of faces. Both paintings with fine craquelure thoughout plus yellowing to varnish layer. Man with uneven yellowing to varnish in chest.