$1,185
Attributed to Henry Inman (American, 1801-1846) Portrait of William Wirt, Ninth Attorney General of the United States. Unsigned, subject identified in inscribed note affixed to the reverse. Oil on wood panel, 24 1/2 x 21 3/4 in., in a contemporary molded wood frame. Condition: Retouch to face, stock, and background. Note: In 1817 President James Monroe named William Wirt Attorney General of the United States, a position he held for 12 years, through the administration of John Quincy Adams, until 1829, and has the record for the longest tenure in history of any U.S. attorney general. A couple of years later, while resuming his law practice, he successfully challenged Georgia laws in their subjecting Georgia's jurisdiction over the Cherokee Nation. Wirt was also was an unsuccessful candidate for President in 1832 as the candidate of the Anti-Masonic party, and was also the first candidate of an organized third party to carry a state, Vermont. Retouch to forehead, right facing nostril and upper lip, chin, and rt. side of stock, also a few spots at u.l. background; a small paint loss just to c. l. of head.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2009-06-07
