Oil on canvas, unsigned, a charming three quarter length portrait of Bessie, (daughter of John Michael (1837 - ?) and Mary Catherine Custard (1844 - 1912), both of Frederick, Maryland) she is shown seated and wearing a white gown while cuddling her fashion doll, see Lot 217 for the gold and turquoise locket Bessie wears in her portrait, later note on verso reads "Nov. 1, 1882 3 1/2 yrs. old." According to oral family history, Bessie attended Hood College where she studied music.

SS 25 x 21.5 in.; DOA 29 x 33 in.

Collection of Mrs. Jacqueline R. Stroupe, Pinehurst, North Carolina

Bessie Michael was born in Frederick County, Maryland on May 1, 1881 to John and Mary Catherine Michael. She married Gustave Hartig Hortig in 1899. In 1910 they were living in Washington, D.C. They had one son, who did not live past infancy. Bessie died in January 1956 and is buried in the family plot at the Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Frederick, Maryland. See lots 219 and 220 for related family portraits.

$1,000 - 2,000