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| D08-33. BROADLY STAMPED . . . Across the lower right corner of the oval brass mat is "Whitehurst Copy". Can there be any doubt that one of Jesse Whitehurst's many galleries either in Virginia or along the east coast ranging from New York City to Wilmington NC made a duplicate from an original mid-1840s likeness about 10 years later which such finesse that it might be difficult to tell that we were not observing the original? The overwhelming beauty of the children's mother, who wore that elegant white lacy dress, radiates sunshine beyond the budding loveliness of her daughter and boyish good looks of her son! She WAS the central theme of the trio placed in front of a professionally painted tranquil scene. Who was the first operator I ponder as I gaze into the young mother's perfectly round, mysterious dark eyes? Look at her warmly compressed lips relaxed into a smile, all the while maintaining complete control over her kids. She was a woman of refinement, remarkable style and self-control. There is a tiny dimple at the bottom of the taped sixth plate next to the mat scratch in the patina. Those are mold mites on the lad's shirt. He held his hat in his lap. Gold was put on each of his buttons. Their leather case is apart. $585 |
