$1,067
Frederick R. Spencer (New York, 1806-1875) Portrait of Maria Louisa Brownell, Second Wife of Gordon Webster Burnham. Inscribed and dated "Painted by F.R. Spencer Jan. 1840" on verso. Oil on wood panel, 34 x 27 in., in an ornate gilt-gesso frame. Condition: Scattered retouch. Provenance: Family descent of the sitter. Note: Maria Louisa Brownell was born on June 15, 1824, in Schenectady, New York. She married Gordon Webster Burnham on May 28, 1851, in Hartford, Connecticut. She died October 5, 1883. Gordon established what became The Benedict & Burnham Manufacturing Co., the largest manufacturer of brass and copper appliances and fixtures in the United States. An admirer of Daniel Webster, he presented to New York City a bronze statue of Webster which was erected in Central Park. Gordon Burnham died March 18, 1885, in New York. Companion to lot 740. Panel has been cleaned and varnished, scattered retouch to dress, sleeves.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2012-03-15
