Fine Pair George & Martha Washington Reverse Painted Glass Portraits Attr. William Matthew Prior

Maker: American School, in the manner of William Matthew Prior (1806-1873), after Gilbert Stuart
Origin: American, probably New England
Date: Mid-19th century, probably circa 1850-1870
Period/Style: American folk portraiture
Materials: Reverse painting on glass with molded giltwood frames and wooden backboards
Form: Pair of framed bust-length portraits
Description: Companion reverse-glass portraits of George and Martha Washington, following the familiar Gilbert Stuart likenesses. George wears a black coat with a high white stock and ruffled shirtfront, while Martha is shown in a dark dress with a translucent white cap and scarf. Deliberately outlined features, bright flesh tones, individually articulated curls, and broad dark grounds distinguish the portraits. Their treatment closely relates to the Washington portraits associated with William Matthew Prior. Matching giltwood frames combine stepped outer moldings with broad coved sections and narrow inner slips. Both retain wooden backboards.
Marks/Signatures: No artist's signature or dated inscription identified.
Dimensions: Each framed: 26 in. H, 22.5 in. W.
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Condition: Scattered flaking and small losses to the reverse decoration, including along the outer margins and within Martha's white scarf. Fine linear marks and surface scratches are visible, especially across the darker clothing. Gilt frames show rubbing, small edge and corner losses, and visible joint lines. Wooden backboards exhibit shrinkage gaps, staining, and wear, with old corner retainers and hanging wire. Please inspect all photographs carefully. Stevens Auction Company provides this condition report as a courtesy; bidders should inspect the property in person whenever possible.
Dimensions: 26 x 22.5 in