Mid 19th Century Two Miniature Portrait Paintings of Ladies Attributed to J. Evans

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These miniature watercolor portraits skillfully capture the fashion finery of the late 19th century. Attributed to the elusive watercolor portrait … Read more These miniature watercolor portraits skillfully capture the fashion finery of the late 19th century. Attributed to the elusive watercolor portrait painter J. Evans, these silhouettes depict two Massachusetts women in the typical attire of the time. These miniature portraits are rendered in a highly stylized manner, which draws one into the compositions. Further, the artist adeptly illustrates the textures of the various textiles used for women’s clothing during the late 19th century in America. Further, the ribbons, lace, embroidery, pleating, and puffed sleeves that the artist so skillfully depicts make these ostensibly simple garments extremely interesting to the eye. We acquired these portraits for the wonderful, jewel-like quality of their scale, the fantastic detailing of the costuming, and their undeniable charm.

PROVENANCE
Edgar William and Bernice Chrysler Garbisch, Cambridge, Maryland
Sotheby Parke Bernet, New York, 26-29 January 1977, lot 520. See less