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James Sharples
American Revolution Historic Political Portrait Painting General William Lyman

1795

About the Item

Highly important American pastel portrait painting by James Sharples Senior (1751-1811), of American politician General William Lyman (1755-1811), painted circa 1795. This painting had passed through General Lyman's family from the late 1700s until present. This painting is listed in "Library of American Art, The Sharples" by the celebrated art historian, Katharine McCook Knox. Also, this painting is listed in Mr. Neil Jeffares comprehensive work "Pastels & Pastellists", our thanks to Mr. Jeffares. The painting is under glass and is in excellent condition. A very rare opportunity to acquire a painting of an important figure in early American political history, painted by one of the most important late 18th century portrait pastellists, such works are most often housed in museums or remain in family hands. Sharples works are displayed at; Mount Vernon, Metropolitan Museum of Art, The White House, Monticello, Virginia Historical Society, Smithsonian Art Museum. In 2022 Christie's New York auction sold a James Sharples portrait of Washington, of the same size for $625,000. This painting will be accompanied with a certificate of authenticity, the family provenance and a copy of "The Sharples" book. General William Lyman was an important figure in American history graduating from Yale in 1776 and entered the the army of the Revolution, in which he fought throughout the entirety of the war, he later attained the rank of General. In 1789 he was a member of the Massachusetts Senate, in 1793 he was elected to Congress, where he served until 1799, in 1805 President Jefferson appointed him Consul General at London, where he served until his death in 1811. James Sharples Snr., was viewed as the finest pastel painter in America after John Singleton Copley, he was a portrait painter and pastellist who moved from England to the United States in 1794. He first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1779. He painted the first four presidents; Washington, Adams, Jefferson & Madison, and many other important political & society figures of the late 1700s and very early 1800s.
  • Creator:
    James Sharples (1751 - 1811, American)
  • Creation Year:
    1795
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 10.75 in (27.31 cm)Width: 9 in (22.86 cm)Depth: 0.5 in (1.27 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
    1790-1799
  • Condition:
    Very good condition.
  • Gallery Location:
    Portland, OR
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU1366213691382

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