Oil on canvas, unsigned, painted circa early 20th century after 19th century photographs (her photograph likely dating to 1860 and his to circa 1880), presented in matching gilt composition frames.

SS 29.25 x 24.25 in.; DOA 35.75 x 30.75 in.

From the Estate of the late John Wilson Cuningham, Semora, North Carolina; by family descent to current consignor. These items were received from Waverly Plantation in Person County, North Carolina, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built circa 1830, the interior of the plantation features Thomas Day millwork.

Born in Petersburg, Virginia, John Wilson Cuningham (1820-1887) grew up in northwestern Person County where his father ran a successful mercantile business. Cuningham attended the Bingham School before entering the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Upon graduation in 1840, Cuningham returned to Person County where he was a successful planter and merchant. He also served in the North Carolina House of Representatives in 1844 and 1864-1865, and later in the state Senate.

Cuningham married Martha Helen Somerville (1837-1885) of Warrenton, North Carolina on July 3, 1860 and they raised their family at Waverly Plantation in Cunningham, North Carolina.

The original photographic portrait of Mr. Cuningham was reproduced in the Cyclopedia of Eminent and Representative Men of the Carolinas of the Nineteenth Century, published in 1892 by Brant & Fuller of Madison, Wisconsin.

Each with minor scattered paint flaking; the woman with re-touch visible in upper right quadrant; some minor loss to frames.

$500 - 1,000