This important early American folk portrait titled Portrait of Lucy Adams Tracy and Ellen Nichols Tracy, painted circa 1839 by Hannah Thurber Fairfield, represents a documented example of 19th century New England portraiture. At Craze Furniture, we focus on works with verifiable historical context, and this painting stands apart due to its named sitters and attribution to a recognized American folk artist. Fairfield’s portraits are increasingly sought after within the Americana and early American art market.
Detailed Description
This oil on canvas portrait depicts sisters Lucy Adams Tracy and Ellen Nichols Tracy, painted circa 1839 by American folk artist Hannah Thurber Fairfield (1808 to 1894).
The composition features the two young girls seated outdoors beneath a tree, dressed in white off the shoulder dresses with puffed sleeves and delicate trim characteristic of late 1830s American fashion. One sister gestures outward while the other steadies a woven basket filled with flowers. The stylized rendering of the figures, luminous skin tones, softly modeled features, and large expressive eyes align with Fairfield’s known portrait characteristics.
Hannah Thurber Fairfield was active in New England and is recognized for her refined yet distinctly folk interpretation of child portraiture. Her works often feature:
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Clear frontal compositions
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Delicate blush tonality
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Emphasis on sibling relationships
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Soft atmospheric backgrounds
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Carefully detailed dress treatment
The painting exhibits period appropriate craquelure and surface aging consistent with an 1830s oil on canvas work.
It is housed in a later walnut tone wood frame with stepped molding profile.
Condition Report
Painting:
Stable canvas with visible age appropriate craquelure throughout. Mild surface darkening consistent with 19th century varnish aging. No obvious punctures or major structural damage observed from front inspection. Canvas not removed from frame for stretcher inspection. Overall presents well.
Frame:
Later frame in good structural condition. Minor scuffs and edge wear consistent with handling.
Backing intact with hanging wire present.
Measurements
Overall framed size: 19.5 inches wide x 23.5 inches high
Visible canvas slightly smaller due to frame lip.
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