Lot 960: Portrait of John Bentley Halbert of Nashville, Attr. Washington Cooper

Attributed to Washington Bogart Cooper (Tennessee, 1809-1882) oval oil on canvas portrait of John Bentley Halbert (1825-1858). The subject is depicted at about age 30, in half length, three quarter view, with sandy brown hair and beard, wearing a black suit and tie and white shirt, against an indistinct background. Unsigned. The oval portrait is housed in the original antique molded Victorian giltwood and composition frame. Sight: 30 in. H x 25 in. W. Framed: 39 in. H x 33 in. W. Note: John Bentley Halbert was born in Columbus, Mississippi, and married Catherine Bostick, the daughter of Hardin and Margaret Bostick (whose portraits are also featured in this auction). A label en verso of the painting states that he was an attorney who became U.S. Counsel General to Egypt, although we have not been able to verify that information. 

PROVENANCE: By descent in the family of the sitter. 

CONDITION: Lined, with restorations including a large reverse-L shaped tear lower right, 6 in. x 9 in.; a repaired 2 in. tear to facial area running from eye to jaw; a repaired 3 in. tear to background extending from upper left edge. Frame regilt with two cracks at upper and lower center, scattered repaired small areas of losses.