Pair of mid 19th century oval portraits, oil on canvas laid down on board, identified by oral history as John and Martha Boone of North Carolina, distant relatives of Daniel Boone. Both subjects are depicted in middle age; the lady is attired in a white lace bonnet and dark dress, while the gentleman wears a dark coat and tie. Gentleman's portrait has the illegible remnants of an old label en verso of the frame. The wood frames appear original but have been covered in later gold paint. Panels – 27 1/2" H x 21 1/2"W. Frames – 35 1/2"H x 29 1/2"W.

PROVENANCE: By descent in the Boone Family of North Carolina and later, Tennessee.

CONDITION: Lady's portrait: Revarnished. UV light shows some possible restoration with fluorescence to nose and forehead area; the blue flowers on her bonnet fluoresce. Possible 1 1/2" repaired tear to lower right quadrant. Scattered areas of tenting, primarily to lower right quadrant and upper left quadrant in background. Some small areas of craquelure. Alligatoring to area under nose and under chin. Gentleman's portrait: Revarnished; UV light shows some restoration to forehead and cheeks; craquelure throughout, 1 1/2" line of tenting lower right, some small blisters to background. Both frames exhibit shrinkage cracks.