William Matthew Prior Reverse Glass Paintings of the Washingtons
Item Details
A pair of 19th-century historically significant reverse glass oil painting portraits of George Washington and Martha Washington, circa 1860, attributed to well-listed portrait and landscape painter William Matthew Prior (1806 – 1873). Prior is known for his naive and compelling folk style of painting, and painted many portraits on glass of George and Martha Washington throughout his career. The paintings featured here do not have visible signatures, but are consistent with Prior’s body of works and were purchased as a pair from the highly reputable Closson’s Gallery in Cincinnati, Ohio, as indicated by the label attached to the verso. Both pieces are presented in thick mahogany frames with gilt interior border, followed by ribbed coving, leading to thick outer frame.
Prior’s work can be found in the collections of numerous galleries and museums nationwide, including the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, The White House Permanent Collection, the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., the Portland Museum of Art in Maine, and the Whitney Museum of American Art.
Condition
- condition consistent with age. Both paintings have notable paint loss throughout the imagery. Glass of George is lightly scratched near center, in chin/neck area. Light wear to finish of frames.
Dimensions
Item #
16CIN094-124
Additional Information
