(New York, 1802-1888)A rare pendant pair: William Franklin Mott (1785- 1867) and Phoebe Merritt Mott (1789-1859), unsigned, oil on canvas, 9-1/4 x 7-7/8 in.; matching 19th century gilt wood and composition frames, 14-3/4 x 13-1/4 in.Note: These portraits are typical of the work by George Linen, a Scottish immigrant who worked in New York City. Particularly in the portrait of William Mott, the set of the head, the treatment of the mouth, and the sitter’s frank engagement with the viewer is reminiscent of other examples held in museum collections. The small dimensions are characteristic, as is the oval format. The column/curtain backdrop is one he frequently used, and the feathery treatment of foliage appears in several other portraits as well as in his sketchbook, which was recently acquired by the National Portrait Gallery.For similar examples see the National Portrait Gallery NPG.2007.21; The Smithsonian American Art Museum 1979.151.1 and 1979.151.2.Genealogy traces this family back to William and Susannah White, both passengers on the Mayflower.  A detailed genealogy will be provided upon purchase of this item., Provenance: The Miller White Willis Mott Moore Collection, New York lined, restretched on old stretcher, crackle, both with retouch, she with discolored mottled varnish on fichu, both with yellowed varnish; frames resurfaced, losses to composition, some pieces present