American School folk art portrait miniature on paper of young boy in a vivid green skeleton suit with red buttons, white downturned collar and a wide belt with a big buckle. This early 19 century naïve profile shows the boy’s brown hair is parted from the crown of his head, downward towards his ear with the top portion combed towards his face and the back portion combed down to his neck. The part gives him a rather elfin look as it almost appears that he has an elfin ear. Several noted 19 century folk artists painted ears that are often identified as “elfin”—Erastus Salisbury Field comes to mind. This tiny profile is by an anonymous artist in keeping with the early 19 century. White watercolor was used for the very naïve face, as was used by some noted folk artists such as Jane Anthony Davis. The eye we see is painted a piercing blue and he has tiny pink lips. He is housed in a period black molded wood frame with appropriate wear and patina. The frame contains an unusual églomisé verre glass mat decorated with scallops around the edges and tassels at the top. There is lots of wear to the églomisé which, in my mind, makes it more wonderful. Condition of the portrait is good with fading to the boy’s face and some stable, age-affirming craquelere to the green of the boy’s clothing. The frame backing is cut from writing that appears to be from two different times, both period iron gall ink, but one more faded than the other. The more faded inscription appears to say “William” or “Williams”. This is possibly the name of the boy or the artist. Framed size is 4” x 3 ¾”, not including the brass hanging loop. This little treasure is circa first quarter of the 1919 century. Dressed like a Christmas elf, he'll make a great stocking stuffer!

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