Cornelius Hankins (Mississippi/Tennessee, 1863-1946) oil on canvas still life painting depicting a branch of persimmons, hanging vertically. Signed lower left and dated '99. Housed in a later giltwood frame. 21 1/2" x 13 1/2" sight, 27" x 19" framed. Early 20th century. Note: Hankins studied with Robert Henri, leader of the Ashcan School, and with William Merritt Chase in New York. He was active for much of his career in the Nashville area. Provenance: the estate of Delle Brown, Nashville, TN. Delle Brown and her late husband Malvern Brown were, for many years, the proprietors of Trace Tavern Antiques. CONDITION: Overall darkening of varnish layer. Two or three miniscule spots of flaking including one on cherry. Stretcher creases eviden across bottom (under leaves) and up right side. 2" x 1" area of flaking with inpainting on lower leaf to right of middle, see black light photo.