Teenage Girl
In Salmon Dress 

Prior-Hamblin School, probably William Mathew Prior, New England, ca. 1840. Oil on paperboard.

A wonderfully appealing American folk art portrait of a charming teenage girl, about thirteen or fourteen years old.

Fashionably dressed, she wears her dark hair pulled back beneath a red ribbon while wearing an off-the-shoulder salmon dress, with wispy lace collar and gathered ribbon bow centered by a coral-colored brooch, perhaps set in gold.

She is painted with confidence and sensitivity, especially in the slightly oversized almond-shaped eyes with extra long lashes, graceful neck, finely drawn brows and lips, and skin tones of youthful softness and radiance. The simplified treatment of her clothing, shadowing, and background give the work the unaffected honesty we hope to find in early American portraiture.

Prior offered portraits at different price levels, from inexpensive flat likenesses to fully developed examples for wealthier clients. This portrait strikes an especially appealing folk art balance between the two. And just a reminder, this portrait was likely a big deal for this girl. Pre-photography having one’s likeness taken was usually an important and memorable event.

Nearly perfect condition with just one tiny touch-up spot in the background. The vibrant period green-painted frame (probably not original, though exceptionally well chosen) creates a striking color contrast with the salmon dress, red ribbon, and luminous flesh tones. Frame size about 17 inches x 13 1/8; sight size 13 ½ x 9.

Provenance: Acquired by a fine Midwest collection over twenty years ago from Sam Herrup, Sheffield, Massachusetts.