Lot 128

George Washington Tole Painted Portrait In Profile - Unusual Folk Art!

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George Washington Tole Painted Portrait In Profile - Unusual Folk Art!

Estimate: $600 - $800

Starting Bid: $200

(0 Bids)

by University Archives
July 28, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
88 Danbury Road
Suite 2A
Wilton, CT, US 06897

George Washington
[United States], ca. late 18th C.
George Washington Tole Painted Portrait In Profile - Unusual Folk Art!
Artwork

A wonderful early Republican example of patriotic folk art, being a portrait of American statesman George Washington (1732-1799), in a unique sepia or brunaille palette. Probably late 18th C. [United States.] Gouache or watercolor on tin, making it an example of toleware, and probably produced by an itinerant artist. The portrait in monotone brown with green accents is encircled at the top by the title, "GEO.E WASHINGTON." The portrait is visible through an oval-shaped overture, with a reverse-painted black glass mat, in a period beveled mahogany and gilt-trimmed frame. Scattered minor paint loss mostly limited to the background of the painting. Minor shifting possible under the glass, and not examined out of the frame. Fitted for hanging. Isolated surface and gilt loss, and scuffs to the frame. Screws in the bottom and top frame edges have been partially wood-filled. Else very good. The sight size of the glass panel is approximately 2.625" x 3.25" while the overall frame measures 5.875" x 6.5" x 1.125".

The bust-length portrait of Washington depicts him in civilian clothes, almost certainly as president. He is shown in profile turning left. This is an unusual pose in Washington portraits, and could suggest the influence of British portrait artist James Sharples, Jr. (ca. 1788-1839), who completed a similarly composed Washington pastel portrait around 1796.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: framed: 5.875" x 6.5" x 1.125"
  • Medium: Artwork

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Bid Increments
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$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000