Attributed to James Sharples (English, 1825-1893)
Portrait of a Gentleman, Possibly Eliphalet Terry
pastel on paper
unsigned
8 1/2 x 6 1/2 inches.

Modern label affixed to verso suggests sitter's identity as Eliphalet Terry (1742-1812), a prosperous Connecticut-based merchant and the president of The Hartford Financial Services Group. Label also suggests attribution to Sharples, a pastel portraitist who traveled from England to the United States in 1793. Once stateside, Sharples worked itinerantly, rendering miniature portraits of private citizens and politicians, including several portraits of George Washington.

Framed: 12 1/4 x 10 1/4 inches.
In overall good and stable condition. Scattered spotting to background surrounding head/face. Minor abrasions to surface, most apparent near lower portion of jacket. Handling wear to edges and corners, with small loss at upper right corner. Light toning to sheet verso.