Bidspirit auction | PAIR OF CONNECTICUT PORTRAITS

PAIR OF CONNECTICUT PORTRAITS - Oils on canvas. Unsigned, but wonderfully inscribed on the back ”James HoweEasford Nov 11 1838 Aged 41 years” and ”Mrs. Ruby M. Howe Easford Nov 11 1838 Aged 36 years.” Half-length seated portraits, he's wearing a black suit and holding a book on commerce, she's wearing a black dress, pale shaw, and lace bonnet. In period painted frames. 28.5” high, 22.5” wide (sight); 38.5” high, 28.5” wide (overall). James Howe (1797-1872) was born in Windham County, Connecticut, to Capt. James Howe (1752-1825) and Abigail Warren Howe (1753-1819) and married Ruby Mariah Johnson in 1817. They had one daughter, Phoebe (1832-1901), before Ruby?s death in 1847. James remarried Mary Torrey three months later. The 1850 lists James as a fairly successful farmer, in 1860, he appears as a gardener, and in 1870, two years before his death, he is listed as a retired farmer with $4,000 in real estate and $945 in personal real estate. Provenance: an Ohio collection. NOTE: We are happy to answer questions and take additional photos of lots prior to the auction (the sooner submitted the better). Any updates or new photographs will be posted to the catalog on our website. Please check there prior to placing bids to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information. SHIPPING: We offer in-house shipping on all lots in this auction. Please see the terms for more information and contact us for a packing/shipping estimate. Condition: A couple of minor spots of damage; she has a repaired 6” tear above her head.