Antique Original Oil on Canvas Painting Depicting a Female Sitter

Depicting Ellen M. Farnum looking straight at the viewer dressed in the most wonderful red trimmed robe or kimono.

Painted by a talented hand, expertly capturing the sitter’s character with plenty of feeling. The kimono is almost impressionist in style with confident and quick brushstrokes.

Born in Pennsylvania in 1874 Ellen Markoe Starr married Edward Shippen Watson Farnum in 1901. The 1940 census states they had three sons and two staff members living at their house at 101 Gravers Lane, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The portrait is dated 1923 so Ellen would have been 49, I wonder if it was commissioned for her 50th birthday.

It appears to be unsigned as far as we can see but there was a wealth of good quality local portrait painters at that time. In fact, three of the four ‘Gilded Age’ portrait painters taught at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia. This portrait was painted roughly ten years after that period so could quite possibly be by one of those painters or more probably one of their students.

Framed in a complimentary grey painted wooden frame.

The painting itself is in good order, there are a couple of old repairs but these aren’t hugely noticeable when looking at the painting as a whole.

Overall measurements 95cm x 80cm x 4cm.

Delivery is £50 to the Mainland UK. If you live elsewhere please get in touch for an accurate quote. The shipping will automatically be added at checkout unless you select collection.