Antique Primitive Portrait Watercolor Gouache

Updated August 6, 2026

A portrait artist has captured in realism a matron with a lace bonnet and shawl from the 19th century. It is hand painted and a work of folk art. The work is an example of New England folk art from the early 19th C. The painting is on a large sheet of paper that has been doubled over. A dark wood frame with hand mortised joints appears to be the same age as the painting. The backing is a plank of cedar. A sheet of thin old glass protects the painting. The painting was not signed by the artist. MEASUREMENTS Framed 10 ¼ in (26.0 cm) wide x 1 ¼ in (3.2 cm) deep x 12 ¼ in (31.1 cm) tall Artwork – 7 ½ in (19.0 cm) wide x 9 ¼ in (23.5 cm) tall Weighs 1 lb 15 oz. CONDITION The painting has couple of small scratches that do not detract. The paper has toned and is a bit lighter where it was covered by the frame. The edges of the portion of the paper with the painting has very few chips. The other half, which was in direct contact with the wood back, has more toning and the paper is more brittle. There is wear to the frame, but it is not chipped, cracked or broken. I will ship the frame, wood back, painting and glass apart since I would recommend it be reframed using modern acid free materials. This will also protect the artwork from potential breakage of the glass during shipping. If you choose to continue using the original parts, they are all there and all you would need to do is insert a few brads in the back to keep it all together. A quiet, honest folk portrait that preserves the dignity and resilience of a 19th-century woman, presented in its original period frame and materials. Period: Early 19th Century Origin: United States Materials: Gouache Dimensions: 10.25"W × 1.25"D × 12.25"H

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