Lot 648: Portrait Miniature, poss. Creole, Nestor Corradi

Nestor Corradi (Italy/New Orleans/New York, active c. 1837-1889) Miniature watercolor portrait of a dark haired, possibly Creole gentleman. The man is turned in three quarter view, wearing a dark coat and tie with red vest, before a landscape setting with trees, fence and white building in the background. Signed “N. Corradi f.” lower left in gold paint. Housed under slightly convex glass in a cove molded carved wood frame with gilt metal sight edge. Image: 3 1/8 in. H x 2 3/4 in. W. Frame: 5 1/2 in. H x 5 in. W. Note: Portraitist Nestor Corradi, a native of Italy, came to America and appears to have first been active in New Orleans. He is listed in the 1837 New Orleans periodical The Bee as a “portrait and miniature painter” at 147 Old Levee. By 1857-1860 he had established a studio in New York. He was naturalized as American citizen in 1871 but did not list his birth date. The last found mention of him in the New York City directory is 1889. (Source: The Encyclopedia of New Orleans Artists, Artprice, Ancestry.com). 

PROVENANCE: Private Middle Tennessee collection. 

CONDITION: Painting in excellent condition. Some small holes and losses to wood part of frame.