AUGUSTA / ROCKBRIDGE CO., SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA FOLK ART PROFILE PORTRAIT, charcoal, graphite, and pastel on paper, of impressive size, a bust-length depiction of young lady, her hair pulled into a bun except for her side curls, wearing an elongated teardrop-form earring and a shoulder shawl with quilt-like pattern to top, no signature located. Housed in its original mahogany-veneered yellow pine, corner-block frame retaining its original glass and yellow pine backboard. Circa 1840. 19 1/4" x 15" sight, 23 1/4" x 19 3/4" OA.
Provenance: Descended in the family of Louise Ralston Bradley, Spotswood, Virginia.
Catalogue Note: This recently discovered portrait is likely related to the profile portrait of a young Alexander Gardner (1816-1875), sold by Jeffrey S. Evans (T/A GVA) from the Mac & Dolly McKenney Collection, March 24, 2007, lot 188. The unusually large size of each portrait is nearly identical, the Gardner example being only a half-inch larger. In addition, the frame of each portrait matches except for a very slight difference in the corner blocks. It is even possible that the present portrait is of Gardner's wife, Rebecca Hannah Swink Gardner (1817-1892). The sitter's age, the portrait's descent in a family close to Gardner's Mint Spring residence, the facing orientation of the two portraits, and the previously mentioned size and frame similarities would support this hypothesis.
Very good overall condition, minor tear in lower margin, one tiny hole at left edge, scattered minor spots of insect loss to surface, and some toning. Frame with small loss to veneer at top.