AMERICAN SCHOOL (19TH CENTURY) PORTRAIT OF MARY GALBRAITH WATTS (1789-1861), oil on canvas, half-length depiction of an elderly woman wearing bonnet, hands crossed in lap, no signature located, old inscribed label identifying sitter attached verso. Housed in a 19th century giltwood frame with molded-composition ornament. Circa 1840. 29 1/2" x 24 1/4" sight, 39" x 34 1/2" OA.
Minor craquelure throughout. Previous conservation, including repairs and relining with scattered minor inpainting. Frame with wear and losses, likely repainted.

Provenance: Property descended in the family of Dr. William Miller Duncan, Staunton, VA.
Catalogue Note: The present lot, along with a number of other items in the sale, descended from the family of Frederick Watts (1801-1889), the first U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, appointed by President Grant in 1871. Watts married his second wife, Henrietta Ege, in 1835, when she was just barely 18 years old. The sitter of the present portrait, Mary Ege (1789-1861), as identified on the old label verso, was Henrietta's mother.

Minor craquelure throughout. Previous conservation, including repairs and relining with scattered minor inpainting. Frame with wear and losses, likely repainted.