**Originally Listed At $600**

American, oil on canvas, ca. early to mid 19th century. A framed portrait of an American gentleman, purportedly one of the Founding Fathers - James Madison (1751-1836) - the fourth president of the United States who was also known as the "Father of the Constitution". The sitter is depicted bust-length, dressed in a formal coat and tie, and looking out directly at the viewer. The portrait is set in an attractive frame that post-dates the painting but complements it quite nicely. Size of painting: 12.125" L x 10.125" W (30.8 cm x 25.7 cm) Size of frame: 15.875" L x 14.125" W (40.3 cm x 35.9 cm)

According to the National Portrait Gallery, "James Madison coauthored, with Alexander Hamilton and John Jay, the Federalist Papers (1787?88), a set of eighty-five essays arguing for the ratification of the Constitution, which remain among the greatest expressions of American political thought. Concerned that the Constitution tilted too far toward the interests of the federal government and neglected the individual, Madison wrote the first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights. As president, Madison tried to keep the United States from becoming embroiled in the conflicts in Europe, but after the British seized American ships in an effort to halt U.S. exports, the War of 1812 began. Despite its controversial origins?and conclusion? this 'Second American Revolution,' as it was sometimes called, ended European interference with the United States and created a strong sense of American nationalism."

Provenance: private Lumberton, Texas, USA collection, acquired before 2010

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#169503

Painting shows expected age wear with some waviness to the canvas, craquelure, and a few scuffs to the pigment as shown. It would also benefit from a cleaning. Frame is in good condition and ready to display.