Oil on canvas, 19th century, unsigned, presented in likely original ornate gilt and gesso frame. A modern inscription on the stretcher identifies the subject as "Dr. William Watson Ely / Yale University / Yale Medical School / Went 'West' to Practice in Rochester, N.Y...Born Fairfield, CT. / Died 1879 / Married Sarah Nichols 1834." An additional note claims "Painted About 1850 by Gilbert." Dr. Ely was born in 1812 and practiced at Rochester General Hospital. He was also a draftsman and drew a popular map of the Adirondaks which was published in 1867. See Lot 268 for the companion portrait of Dr. Ely's wife.

SS 40 x 36 in.;

$300 - 600