JAMES WESTHALL FORD (VIRGINIA,1804-1874) PORTRAIT OF A GENTLEMAN, oil on canvas retaining original stretcher, a fine waist-length depiction of a dapper figure seated with his hunting dog, Classical column framing a landscape in the background, signed "Ford Pxt" lower left, subject identified verso as John B. Gatewood (1797-1879). Housed in a period, possibly original, gilt frame with molded-composition ornament. Circa 1830. 36" x 27 3/4" sight, 47" x 38 1/2" OA.
Catalogue Note: James Westhall Ford (1807-1874) was a portrait painter who worked primarily in Virginia. His personal archive, which is now housed at the University of Virginia, includes information about the artist's travels, business, and personal affairs, and indicates that he traveled throughout the state in search of commissions, including parts of the Shenandoah Valley. Ford was primarily based in Richmond and was most likely a student of Thomas Sully (1783-1872). In 1823 he received letters of recommendation from Thomas Jefferson and is believed to have painted a portrait of President James Monroe near the end of his term in office. Ford also painted a number of portraits for University of Virginia faculty members, also likely the result of Jefferson's introduction.
The sitter of the present portrait is identified as John B. Gatewood (1797-1879), who is recorded in the 1830 Census for the Western District of Shenandoah County, Virginia. Given the likely date of execution for the present portrait, it is quite possible that this John Gatewood is the sitter, making this a rare Shenandoah Valley example of the artist's work.
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Good overall visual condition with minor areas of discoloration. Line with several scattered old punctures and repairs with associated inpainting / overpainting. Frame with wear and losses, later surface.