Signed miniature watercolor portrait of a Southern gentleman, Benajah Smith Bibb (b. 1796-d. 1884). Sandy-red haired gentleman with tall forehead, blue eyes, and cleft chin, wearing a black coat and white waistcoat and tie, circa 1830. Signed lower right "Bridport" (Hugh Bridport, English/American, 1794-1868). Housed in a silver repousse frame with gilt metal backing, with lock of hair enclosed under a heart shaped glass panel. 3" x 2-1/2". A file of biographical and research information accompanying this lot indicates Bibb was born Elbert County, Georgia, in 1796 but his family moved to Alabama during his childhood. He became a presiding judge of the Montgomery County Court and served in the Alabama legislature and as a representative to Congress (1845-1849). A staunch supporter of the Confederacy, he was said to have been proud to be the first judicial officer removed by Federal authorities after the Civil War. He was the brother of first Alabama governor Dr. William Wyatt Bibb, and of second Alabama governor Thomas Bibb (Thomas Bibb, as President of the Alabama Senate, succeeded William Bibb when he died in office in 1820). Artist biography (Courtesy Askart: The Artists' Bluebook): Hugh Bridport emigrated to America from England around 1815 and, with his brother, George, also an artist, opened a drawing academy in Philadelphia in 1816. After George's death, Hugh traveled to different parts of the country painting full sized and miniature portraits. He exhibited at the Royal Academy in London and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and the Artist's Fund Society in the United States. Provenance: The Greene Museum, Phenix City, Alabama, acquired from the Bibb family (descendants of the subject). See related lots #42 and 560. CONDITION: 2 extremely light hairlines or scratches, one in the upper right background, the other extending across subject's face, approx. 1-1/2"L. Back of portrait shows wear and oxidation to gilt metal.