James Sanford Ellsworth Watercolor Portraits

Circa 1840-1860: This graphic pair of 4.5" x 3.5" watercolors represents the scarce large sized miniatures painted by Connecticut born itinerant artist James Sanford Ellsworth (1803-1875) and are housed in an 11" x 13" frame under reverse painted glass. These portraits exhibit a number of Ellsworth's classic traits, including the clouds that emerge at the lady's hips, the classic green and yellow rococo revival armchair, and the two-tone cloud surrounding the gentleman's head. These fine watercolors show Ellsworth's skill in making very detailed and realistic faces and his portrayal of sitters wearing fashionable period garments. Ellsworth's delightful and truly surreal "airborne" subjects are some of the most recognizable and coveted early American folk art portraits, and these watercolors are fine examples of his work.