Unfortunately this little painting was re-lined when I acquired it. This makes it difficult to determine the exact age of the canvas, because we cannot see the back. The nature of the paint itself says 18th century is possible. The edges of the canvas and stretchers appear closer to the 19th-century. However, the scene is definitely 18th century. Some of the techniques used in applying the paint imply execution by a trained artist The two figures on the bridge have on the costumes of Cavaliers, and the landscape is a likeness of the Roanoke Valley in Virginia. It is in an 19th century frame that appears originally cut for it. It could, however, have been framed at a later point in its life. In the 18th century nice frames were hard to come by this country. It looks like the sort of small paintings done quite often in the 18th and 19th centurys of homesteads by itenerant artists for money, board and lodging. I have seen them dating to the early part of this century. It could, of course, also be a 19th century copy of an 18th century version of such genre. It is possible, however, that this is a painting from life done by an itinerate in the 1700's on an unstretched canvas, as they mostly where, and kept by the family until the 19th century when it was stretched and framed. Later it was damaged, then let go of and came on the market. There has been a large vertical tear down its middle, fortunately not involving the figures or main elements of the painting. This area has been restored by my hand. The frame is pleasantly worn and stable. This is a wonderful little piece of Americana, particularly to a Virginian.

Price: $3,200, painting and frame                    Purchase