Attributed to George G. Hartwell (1815-1901) Lived/Active: Massachusetts, Maine

Portrait of a Young Woman
Unsinged, ca. 1844-1850
Oil on board
14 ½” x 10 ½”, 14 ¾” x 18 ¾” (frame)
Full condition report available upon request.
George Hartwell was a member of the Prior-Hamblen School and while his work resembles some stylistic features of the other members, Hartwell’s hand can be identified by certain characteristics as described by Portrait and American Folk Art Specialist, Emily Esser; “His use of dark lines is sparse and refined between the cupid’s bow lips—beneath the nose to form and shape it, and smoothly swooshing over the upper eyelid. Eyebrows are simple and effortless, executed with a single curved brush stroke each. This portrait shares all of those qualities, but elevates it. In disposition, Hartwell’s sitters are calm and well-composed, without giving away too much about their personality. They look out from the canvas thoughtfully; they are cryptically pleasant, just like this serene young lady. The signature vibrant, stylized, striped corner curtain adds a strong pop of color and visual impact.”
A comparable example among identified Hartwell portraits is Woman in a Blue Dress, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago (1980.728), which also boasts an unusually high level of carful detail in her dress. Additionally, a “sister portrait” of a similar-looking lady in a blue dress was sold at Sotheby’s, 2 February 1991, lot 1229, as Prior-Hamblen School.
Our portrait is included in a soon-to-be published article for the journal Americana Insights, cowritten by Dr. Paul D’Ambrosio, Curator Fenimore Museum, Cooperstown, New York and Emily Esser.

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