Pair of 19th Century American Naïve Watercolour Portraits of Children
Pair of 19th Century American Naïve Watercolour Portraits of Children
Strangers to us now — once, someone’s whole world.
A wonderfully evocative pair of naïve childhood portraits, each capturing a young child posed with a favourite toy or companion.
Probably American and attributed to the 19th century, these watercolours have the distinctive charm of primitive portraiture. The frontal poses, simplified forms and direct expressions favour character over formal perfection, giving each child a quietly compelling presence.
Their style recalls the folk portrait tradition associated with itinerant painters in early America, although the precise artist, date and place of origin remain unconfirmed.
Who were these two children? Were they siblings? What became of them, and how did their portraits remain together all these years? The unanswered questions are part of their appeal.
Both watercolours are presented in mahogany frames.
Details
- Pair of framed watercolour portraits
- Each watercolour: approximately 18 × 11.5 cm
- Framed in mahogany
- Probably American; attributed to the 19th century
- Artist and provenance unknown
An unusual and characterful pair for collectors of Americana, folk art and early portraiture.
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