American & Southern | May 30, 2025
Fri, May 30, 2025 10:00AM EDT
Lot 1092
American School Folk Art Portraits
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for
$9,000
Sold Price excludes BP
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $25 |
| $100 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $200 |
| $3,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
(American, 19th Century)
Pair of portraits of Solomon and Nabby Steele Billings, not visibly signed, pencil, watercolor and applied gold leaf, 5 x 4 in. each; paint decorated frame, 9 x 11-3/4 x 1 in.
Provenance: David Wheatcroft, Westborough Massachusetts, 2004; Doyle Auctions, New York, January 23, 2020, lot 181, sold for $3,750; Property from the John B. Schorsch Collection
Note: The cataloging when this pair of portraits was sold in :
The invoice from David Wheatcroft indicates that there was a paper label affixed to the back (since lost) that included the following inscription: Nabby Steel [sic] Billings in the picture was the daughter of Jemima Wolcott, in a direct line from two Colonial Governors and Oliver Wolcott, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Jemina [sic] Wolcott was born May 15, 1763 and married James Steel [sic] Nov. 19. 1782. Nabby Steel [sic] was born July 9, 1799, married Solomon Billings Nov. 27, 1822.
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David Wheatcroft, Westborough Massachusetts, 2004; Doyle Auctions, New York, January 23, 2020, lot 181, sold for $3,750; Property from the John B. Schorsch Collection
Note:
The cataloging when this pair of portraits was sold in :
The invoice from David Wheatcroft indicates that there was a paper label affixed to the back (since lost) that included the following inscription: Nabby Steel [sic] Billings in the picture was the daughter of Jemima Wolcott, in a direct line from two Colonial Governors and Oliver Wolcott, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Jemina [sic] Wolcott was born May 15, 1763 and married James Steel [sic] Nov. 19. 1782. Nabby Steel [sic] was born July 9, 1799, married Solomon Billings Nov. 27, 1822.
paper toned, paint has crackled in some areas of background, paper folded over as if a card, continuous background would suggest that was originally a family group rather than a pair of portraits; frame with some scratches and wear Note - Brunk Auctions makes every effort to offer accurate and thorough information, but encourages prospective bidders to inspect items in person whenever possible. Condition statements are provided as a courtesy for general guidance and should not be considered complete or definitive. They do not represent a warranty or assumption of liability by Brunk Auctions. Certain condition issues may not be specifically noted in the report but may be visible in the accompanying photographs, which are considered part of the overall condition report. Please refer to our Terms of Sale for complete information and contact us for additional photos or information as needed.
