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Rare Pair of Portraits, Husband and Wife

SOLD

William Bonnell (1804-1865) American, active New Jersey and Pennsylvania
Probably Pennsylvania, ca. 1830-1835.
Oil on panel (pine)
28” x 23” panel; 34 1/4” x 30′ framed
Condition: Panels were originally joined in pieces, now supported by butterfly joints. Paint surface in over-all great condition. Some minor areas of restoration to panels. Retaining the original painted frames.
William C. Bonnell, a portrait painter, known for his work in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, was born on February 1, 1804 in Clinton. He was the grandson of the Revolutionary War Colonel Abraham Bonnell. There are only twenty or so paintings known to exist by Bonnell, seven painted in Hunterdon County in 1825. As the artist progressed in his painting, Bonnell acquired a greater proficiency perhaps by studying the work of other portrait painters. He adopted a more traditional format in his presentation of the subject and the inclusion of landscape backgrounds. Portraits are known to have been painted in Pennsylvania as well, in 1833, just over the border into Bucks County. These are the last known portraits to have been painted by the artist.

Dimensions: 28" x 23" panel; 34 1/4" x 30' framed

Item ID: WoA-AMP-OP 007

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