Description |
ATTRIBUTED, PORTRAIT OF FRANCIS CASSATT CLOPPER (1786-1868) OF MONTGOMERY CO., MARYLAND, oil on canvas, (updated 6/19/19) recorded as No. 316 "Mr. Clopper" in the artist's registry, exceptional waist-length depiction of a seated figure in partial profile, face turned toward the viewer, he wearing high white stock and green coat with large brass buttons, no signature located. Retains likely original gilt-molded frame, as-found. Circa 1810. 32 1/2" x 27" OA.
<i>Very good visual condition, lined, with minor scattered areas of repair and inpainting, including figure's proper right eye, proper left cheek, clothing, and background.</i>
Literature: See Leland Little Auctions, Lot 65, 3/17/2012 for the oil on board study of the present portrait, the study inscribed "Clopper / p. 55. S. B." to paper backing.
Provenance: Historic property descended in the Clopper-Hutton family, "The Woodlands", Montgomery Co., MD.
Catalogue Note: Francis Cassatt Clopper (1786-1868) was an important early Montgomery Co., Maryland resident. Born in Baltimore, Clopper initially achieved success as a merchant in Philadelphia, where he had this portrait commissioned in 1810, but moved to Montgomery Co. in 1812 with his new bride Ann Jane Byrne Clopper. Here the Cloppers established a grand home, "The Woodlands", as well as a farm, grist mill, and blanket factory, all of which remained important landmarks for over 150 years. Tragically, the home and property were acquired in 1968 through eminent domain by the state of Maryland and burned by arsonists shortly thereafter. Luckily, through the shear determination of the remaining heir at the time (the present consignor), most of the family possessions were saved and transported to Virginia where they have remained until now.
The present portrait of Clopper by Sully stood as one of the iconic fixtures at "The Woodlands" for well over a century, witnessing the passing of several generations. According to family history, the damage to the sitter's eye was done by an African-American servant who was tired of being startled by "Marster's" gaze. After the damage was done (a puncture to his proper right eye), the family promptly contacted Sully, still living in Philadelphia at the time, and the artist insisted that the portrait be sent to him for repair, calling it one of his best. The present portrait of Francis Cassatt Clopper by Thomas Sully stands as an outstanding example of the then-young portraitist's work, exhibiting many of the key features for which the artist is recognized. Descended directly in the family, the appearance of the present portrait on the open market represents a rare opportunity to acquire a significant work by a significant artist.
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