AMERICAN SCHOOL (19th century). PORTRAIT OF MR. AND MRS. JOHN BANNERMAN OF BALTIMORE: TWO WORKS, oil on canvas - Framed, 25 in. x 20 in., each Estimate $1,000-2,000
Family provenance states that these portraits were painted by family friend, Gilbert Stuart, circa 1812-1815, at the Bannerman's home in Baltimore. As it goes, "Mr. Stuart was a guest in their home and asked to paint their portraits. He painted the head and shoulders, then finished them later; and when finished, sent them to the Bannermans." Accompanied by file of correspondence from art historians disclaiming this. John Bannerman died June 29, 1809, and his wife, Susanna Henderson Bannerman, died Oct. 25, 1815.
Portrait of Mr. Bannerman: Lined, surface dirt and debris with minor craquelure in face and cravat. Paint loss upper right and lower left corners. Stretcher bar stress.
UV: Minor inpainting upper left and right corner and 1 " area along left edge.
Portrait of Mrs. Bannerman: Lined; surface dirt and debris; minor craquelure in face and uneven varnish. Canvas edge torn upper right with paint loss; also 3 " area of paint loss along left mid-edge.
UV: Areas of inpainting along lower edge, around head, in dress and upper right.
