A Superb and Unusual Nathaniel Rogers Portrait Miniature c1820
Directory: Fine Art: Paintings: Miniatures: Pre 1837 VR: Item # 1361678
Please refer to our stock # na134 when inquiring.
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A spectacular Nathaniel Rogers painting done in watercolor on organic wafer. I very rarely, if ever, describe or refer to an item as "the best", or the "finest example ever". However, there is no question that this painting represents Rogers at the peak of his ability, which indeed is quite high. Further, the vast majority of his paintings are only bust length, and do not depict the hands of the sitter, not any additional objects. Here we have the subject sitting with an arm draped over a chair, making this a very rare example.
The condition of the painting is excellent, with no flaws or damage. The original cast foliate case, which has woven plaits of hair in the glazed aperture on the reverse, is also in excellent condition, though it could use a bit of careful polishing, if desired. The sight size is a goodly 2 7/8" by 2 1/4", with the case being 3 1/8" by 2 1/2".
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE: Nathaniel Rogers (1788 - 1844) was born in Bridgehampton, Long Island, New York. After moving to New York City in 1811, he apprenticed with Joseph Wood, and by 1812 his career was thriving. In spite of being stricken with tuberculosis in 1825, he maintained his studio in NYC, though living in Long Island, until finally retiring there in 1839. In 1826 he, along with Thomas Seir Cummings, Rembrandt Peale, Samuel Morse, and others, became founders of the National Academy.
Rogers achieved a status of being one of the leading miniaturists of his era, and his works are in most of the major American art museums.
