Lot 192: 19th C. Portraits of Benjamin & Sarah Williamson, TN/Mississippi

Southern School, mid 19th century oil on canvas portraits of Benjamin S. Williamson (1797-1876) and his wife, Sarah Elizabeth Harris Williamson (1796-1869), of Holly Springs, Mississippi. Both unsigned. The waist length painting of Mrs. Williamson depicts her at middle age, wearing a black dress with white lace collar and bonnet with red-trimmed ribbon, and garnet or ruby brooch and watch fob on gold chain. She sits before a red drape, and her left elbow rests on a tabletop or window sill, with landscape visible beyond. Sight: Sight 29 1/2 in. H x 24 1/2 in. W. Frame: 38 in. H x 33 in. W. The bust length portrait of Mr. Williamson depicts him at middle age, with receding black hairline, wearing a dark suit and tie, and holding the tip of something in his hand, against a dark, indistinct background. Giltwood molded frame with double tiered, swept edges and pierced, foliate carvings. Sight: 28 1/2 in. H x 23 1/2 in. W. Frame: 39 in. H x 34 in. W. Note: Benjamin S. Williamson was born in Brunswick County, Virginia. He married Sarah E. Harris on Feb. 20, 1820 in Davidson County, Tennessee. In 1836, the couple moved to Holly Springs, Mississippi, where Mr. Williamson owned a hotel. They had four sons, including CSA General Henry Edmund Williamson (1826-1907), who was born while the couple was staying at The Hermitage with their close friend President Andrew Jackson, and Robert R. Williamson (d. 1869). Their other two sons were Washington L. Williamson, who died in 1857, and J.D. Williamson, who died in 1840, possibly around the time this portrait was painted.

PROVENANCE: By direct descent in the family of Benjamin and Sarah Williamson.

CONDITION: Both portraits were professionally conserved in 1994 by Cumberland Art Conservation. Reports available on request. Mr. Williamson: Lined. UV light examination reveals repaired tear and retouch from subject’s right ear across nose and extending to chin. Triangular 2 inch patch and a 3 inch repaired tear to left center background. Scattered other spots of retouch throughout. Frame has been regilt and has losses at corner carvings and edge moldings up to 2 inches in length. Mrs. Williamson: Lined. UV light inspection reveals repaired tear to upper left background, extending a little over 1 inch into subject’s hairline. 1 inch area of paint loss to upper right edge of canvas, with adjacent 2 inch scratch to frame. L shaped tear repair to subject’s right shoulder (2 inches by 2 1/2 inches). Scattered retouch throughout, with largest areas at lower left and lower right corners. Frame in overall good condition, regilt, with a few minor abrasions/losses.