**Originally Listed At $500**

Henry FewSmith (American, 1821-1846). Drawing with watercolor/gouache, ca. early 1840s. A beautiful drawing of a Neoclassical bust by 19th century American artist Henry FewSmith. The head of a female figure, perhaps a goddess or a muse, gazes downward with her pristine visage topped by a fancy coiffure - her wavy tresses meticulously curled and adorned by a diadem. This striking drawing is set in an attractive custom frame with a burled wood finish and a brass plate inscribed with the artist's name and life dates at the bottom. Size of sight view: 20" L x 13.875" W (50.8 cm x 35.2 cm) Size of frame: 32.375" L x 22.375" W (82.2 cm x 56.8 cm)

Henry FewSmith was a Philadelphia artist, a portrait and figure painter, who studied with John Neagle in Philadelphia and also studied overseas at Dusseldorf, Munich, Paris, and Rome. Interestingly, FewSmith was a friend, roommate, and colleague of Emmanuel Leutze (known for his iconic painting "Washington Crossing the Delaware") - both studied in Dusseldorf, Germany under Von Schadow in 1841. Leutze's portrait of Fewsmith was published in Barbara Groseclose's "Emmanuel Leutze, 1816-1868: Freedom is the Only King" (Smithsonian Institution Press, 1975). Unfortunately, FewSmith passed away when he was very young - only 25 years old. According to The North American, "While thus he was giving promise for the future of uncommon excellence in his art, he was suddenly and unseen snatched from our midst! in the silence of his studio, with no one near him, the deadly breath of the destroyer placed the signer seal of the grave upon him."

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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#161449

This artwork has not been examined outside the frame but appears to be in good condition save a few creases and tears at the lower end (over the dress and neckline) and a few stains (one over the chest and most others in the background) that are difficult to see. The custom frame has a few scuffs/abrasions but is otherwise very attractive and furnished with a brass plate inscribed with the artist's name and life dates at the bottom. Wired for suspension and ready to display.