(Charleston, 1716-1774)Mrs. Josias Allston (nee Ann Proctor), signed lower left "Theus 1756," oil on canvas, MESDA label verso ref no.9117, 1/12/79, 29-3/4 x 24-3/4 in.; early wood frame, 35-1/4 x 30-1/2 in.Note: According to family history and MESDA database the sitter is˜Mrs. Josias Allston (nee Ann Proctor) 1731-1773. The subject was the daughter of Stephen and Ann (Simons) Proctor. She was the second wife of Josias Allston of Turkey Hill near Georgetown, SC.Literature:˜South Carolina Portraits, The Society of Colonial Dames, Columbia, South Carolina, illus. p.9, Provenance: This painting descended in the family of Anna Margaret Missroon Capers. She was born in 1854 and married Rev William Henry Capers in 1870 at St Phillips Church. He died June 25, 1896 in Crystal Springs, Mississippi leaving his widow with no means of support. As a widow she eventually lived in the home of her daughter and son in law Rear Admiral and Mrs. William Henry Allen off and on until her death in 1939. Rear Admiral Allen was Commandant of Charleston Navy Shipyard and Commandant of 6th Naval District 1938-1942.The works then passed to her daughter Thayer Capers Allen; then to her daughter Thayer Capers Allen Boswell who moved into the Allen?s retirement home in Summerville, South Carolina after her parents? deaths in 1951.
Condition
laid down on board, surface has been cleaned and with significant re-touch, crackle throughout; early wood frame with minor abrasions