Oil on canvas, unsigned, three-quarter length portrait of the young Eliza Eaton in a white gown with lace veil and gold and turquoise jewelry, presented in the likely original gilt wood frame with composition ornament.

SS 33.5 x 26.5 in.; DOA 43 x 35.5 in.

Willis Stallings Antiques, Winston-Salem, NC

Eliza Eaton Dickens Bell, born circa 1835, was the "indulged daughter of the wealthiest landowner in Tidewater NC, William Eaton" (accompanying receipt from Willis-Stallings Antiques). She studied under Anna Maria Mead Chalmers at Mrs. Mead's School in Richmond, VA and divided her time between Warrenton, NC and Washington, D.C. She also traveled extensively throughout Europe. She married Benjamin A. Dickens in 1847. A woman of great courage and conviction for her time, Ella petitioned Dickens for a divorce in 1854 citing numerous instances of physical abuse and infidelity. The divorce was granted that year and the following month Ella changed her name back to Ella Rives Eaton. In late 1856 (or 1857), she married Peter Hansborough Bell whom she had met while in Washington, D.C. Originally from Culpepper, VA, Bell left his home state to fight for the independence of Texas. His military commandmens and duty garnered much acclaim and was elected governor of Texas for two terms, in 1849 and 1851. He resigned a few months early in 1853 to fill a congressional vacancy left after the death of David Kaufman. Upon their marriage, Bell and his new wife Ella moved back to her family home in Littleton, NC. They remained in Warren County until their deaths in 1898 and 1897 respectively.

Minor craquelure; black light inspection reveals minor re-touch to collar.

$3,000 - 5,000