Portraits

American Portrait of Daniel Thomas Signed by Augustus Day
  • Portrait Miniature mostly monotone, painted and drawn in pencil and watercolor on card, signed faintly under the bust in pencil "Day Fecit." Augustus Day (active 1800 - at least 1845) was a carver, gilder, portraitist and silhouettist. He advertised in Charleston, South Carolina in 1804 but seems to have worked mostly in Philadelphia. "Daniel Thomas", sitter's name inscribed en verso, sight 4 ¾” X 3 ¾”. Period tiger maple frame measures 6 1/8"" X 7 1/4"" and has splined corner joints. The frame is a bit gappy but structurally sound and has great color. The tiny bit of white you see on the upper edge of the frame is part of the string tag—not anything wrong with frame. The frame appears to be of original size as the splined joints do not appear to have been tampered with. The églomisé glass mat may have had some restoration. A paper recording condition when collected years ago says "Watercolor & Pencil on heavy paper. Tape remnants on all four sides. Stained. Some paint flaking in area of the hair & lapel and a small brown stain on his cheek. Notes: In pencil on back "Daniel Thomas.” Reference # (if any): [none entered] Signed Day Facit [sic].”

    The profile is very well drawn, including Mr. Thomas' interesting hair style and it is rare to find a Day portrait or silhouette, however the painting is quite faded. The price more than compensates for any apologies. In other words, it's a steal!

    #6448    Sold

    Provenance: Estate of Dr. Carroll Ball, Jackson, Mississippi.