William Matthew Prior (1806-1873) American, Lived/Active: Maine/New England

Portrait of a Gentleman
Inscribed on verso: Painted in Portland, August 2, 1838/ Wm. M. Prior of Bath
Oil on wood panel
Condition: Excellent condition, in a period grain painted frame.
Provenance: Purchased in Maine, 1960’s, Private Collection. Cape Cod

As prolific as Prior was painting portraits on artist board, canvas and glass, fewer are known to have been painted on wood panel. This handsome portrait of a gentleman is a wonderful and rare early example of a signed work by Prior which also identifies him working in Portland, Maine during the period he lived there from 1831-1840.