Lloyd Branson (Tennessee, 1861-1925) oil on board bust-length portrait of depicting a middle-aged gentleman wearing a black suit and black bowtie with gold-rimmed spectacles, set against a brown background. Signed lower right in red "L Branson" and dated 1910. Pencil inscription en verso reads "J.P. Cobb, Huntington, L.I. [Long Island]," likely a reference to the sitter. Housed in a foliate carved gilt wood frame. Sight: 13 1/4" H x 10 1/4" W. Framed: 20" H x 17 1/4" W. Biography: 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 Knoxville and East Tennessee arts communities. He was a mentor to Catherine Wiley and is credited with encouraging Beauford Delaney to pursue a career as an artist. (Research courtesy of James A. Hoobler, Tennessee State Museum)

CONDITION: Painting in overall very good condition. Frame likely original, with some scattered wear and abrasions and possibly some gilt touchup.