Antique Folk Art Naïve Portrait Lady Messrs R and W Kerry C 1840

It is very exciting to discover a genuine, 19th century folk art portrait complete with artist's label.

This wonderful portrait was painted in England during the 19th century. The painting is by the artists Messrs R. and W. Kerry who were travelling silhouettists and portrait painters. They were active during the mid-19th century circa 1835 - 1850. Due to the nature of their work they were always travelling, therefore little is known about the artists. What we do know is that the artists worked in Weymouth, Leamington Spa and Kings Lynn and Durham, England. Despite the artists claiming to have captured over 600 likenesses in Leamington Spa in 1845 there are in fact only a few known examples of their work. We are proud to say that we have retailed several pieces by them over the past 30 years.

During the 1850s they gave up capturing likenesses in watercolour in favour of the new invention....photography,. This new fangled photography was becoming ever more popular and affordable. In the ‘History of the borough of King's Lynn by Hillen, Henry J. Published 1907. Volume 2’ he records Messrs Kerry as having introduced photography to Kings Lynn in 1852, ‘What a comfort it is to have the likeness of some departed relation or absent friend on which to look and say – With thee though speechless there’s a converse; Though alone a sweet and rapturous society.’

Our portrait is on paper and features a female sitter wearing a blue ribboned bonnet, black dress holding and she holds a blue book. A learned lady, possibly a school mistress.

The painting is housed under its original old glass in its original frame. The painting is complete with its original wood back board; the underside features the artists label reading ‘Messrs. R. And W. Kerry, Artists.’ The underside of the paper also features the artists label reading ‘Messrs. R. And W. Kerry, Artists.’ The back of the painting and the board features several inscriptions by the artists.

This is a superbly decorative painting with a folk art, naive appeal and a fascinating social history. There are so few examples of the artist’s work making this piece desirable among collectors. This is a fantastic, unique opportunity to own a painting by these talented artists.

Measuring: Frame width 9 ½ inch (24.5 cm) by height 11 5/8 inch (29.5 cm). Aperture width 6 inch (15 cm) by height 8 inch (20.5 cm).

Condition: Light surface wear commensurate with age.

Item id:16102