Augustus Vincent Tack

“Portrait of Mrs. Edward Tack”

Circa 1895

Very well executed portrait of Jacob Dolson Cox. See the sitter’s biography below. Signed top right and dated 1881. Relined canvas, very good condition. The portrait is housed in a contemporary replica of a period frame. Overall framed measurements are 33.25 by 28.25 inches. Provenance: A East Hampton, Long Island collector. Biography George Peter Alexander Healy was born in Boston on July 15, 1813, the first of five children of William Healy, an Irish immigrant and captain of a merchant vessel, and his wife Mary Hicks. Healy showed an early artistic interest: by 1830 the self-taught painter had opened a portrait studio from which he hoped to help to support his family. Although commissions were at first sparse, young Healy received important encouragement from Thomas Sully (1783-1872)) who advised him to make painting his profession. His fortunes also improved in 1831 when Mrs. Harrison Gray Otis, a leader in Boston society, granted him permission to paint her portrait and recommended his talents to other potential patrons. In 1834 Healy went to France where he studied with Baron Antoine-Jean Gros (1771-1835). A year later he traveled through Italy, visiting museums and churches in the company of Lady and Sir Arthur Faulkner who soon provided his introduction to London society. It was in England that Healy met and, in 1839, married Louisa Phipps. The couple settled in Paris where Healy embarked upon the beginning of a long and happy marriage and thriving career. His diplomatic and affable demeanor, together with his obvious skill, brought him tremendous success throughout Europe and the United States. Prolific, as well as talented, he had by 1867 produced more than six hundred portraits. The constant stream of commissions included dignified, imposing portraits of such celebrated figures as Pope Pius IX and Queen Elizabeth of Romania, the latter of whom developed a warm friendship with Healy and his family. Although Healy, sometimes accompanied by his wife, traveled to the United States several times during the 1840s and early 1850s, it was not until 1856 that the entire family settled in America. They took up residence in the booming city of Chicago, which Healy used as a base for his work in Boston, Philadelphia, New Orleans, and other cities. During the Civil War years he often traveled to Washington to paint military figures and members of the President's cabinet. The family returned to Europe in 1867, but George Healy...

Here for your consideration is a museum exhibited oil on canvas work by the Russian/American artist, Nahum Tschacbasov. Signed lower left and dated 1975. The border of this painting...

A striking Mid-20th Century depiction of a young dressed up man seated on a chair with elbow on top of a table. The model posing is deep thought, which is fitting for the title the a...

William McBride (American, 1912-2000) "Daumier Heads" Original Oil on Canvas 20th c. Canvas dimensions 41.5" wide x 16.5" high The frame measures 44.5" wide x 19.5" high Signed in the lower right corner Very good vintage condition Artist, archivist, art collector, and political historian, William McBride's contribution to the city of Chicago was endless. As a young artist for the Works Projects Administration, Mr. McBride helped lay the groundwork for the South Side Community Art Center, the only remaining art institution sparked by the WPA. His art collection once included more than 1,000 paintings from African-American and WPA artists, including Charles White, William Carter, Charles Sebree...