1st item: English School, 19th century, oil on board painting depicting a vast room in the interior of a Tudor Manor house, identified by inscription en verso as Speke Hall in Lancashire, England (built in 1583). The painting portrays figures seated at tables at the edge of the room, illuminated by sunlight from large windows and a blazing hearth; ornate paneling and cross-ribbed ceiling decoration surrounds the subjects, while the center of the room sits empty. Unsigned. Pencil inscription on board en verso reads "Speke Hall Lancashire, 1713". Housed in an ornate antique giltwood and gesso frame with lattice, ribbon, and acanthus moldings. Sight: 7 1/2" H x 10 1/2" W. Framed: 12" H x 15 1/2" W. 2nd item: European School, 19th century, oil on canvas painting depicting the kidnapping of a lady. A Moorish or Oriental male figure drags a female figure in a pink dress by the hair into a narrow doorway at knife point, while two knights, also brandishing swords, approach through a columned Gothic arch; a white horse and a distant landscape are visible in the background. Unsigned. Housed in a molded ebonized giltwood frame with anthemion and gadroon moldings. Sight: 12 1/4" H x 9" W. Frame: 18 5/8" H x 15 3/8" W. Mid to late 19th century.

PROVENANCE: Private Nashville, Tennessee estate.

CONDITION: 1st item: Craquelure throughout; one area of inpainting in upper right quadrant, visible under UV light inspection, approximately 1.5". 2nd item: Overall craquelure with scattered minute losses to paint, largest measuring 1/8" H x 1/8" W. Areas fluoresce under UV light, largest measuring 3/8" H x 1/8" W. Canvas has been relined and laid on board; stretchers possibly replaced.