two-american-school-revivalist-portrait-miniatures
Lot 4180
Two American School Revivalist Portrait Miniatures
Lot Details & Additional Photographs
Watercolor on ivory, the first a portrait of a lady by Morton H. Bly (American, 1876-1935), signed to lower left edge, the subject an elegant woman with light blue eyes and complementary dress, seated within a forest glade, presented behind glass within a gilt oval locket (locket 4 1/4 x 2 7/8 in.; sight size 3 1/4 x 2 1/4 in); the second of a young boy in sailor outfit, within a silver gilt locket, the verso engraved "Leffert Lefferts Downing / April 1892." (locket 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 in., sight size 2 5/8 x 2 in.).

Locket 4 1/4 x 2 7/8 in.; sight size 3 1/4 x 2 1/4 in.

Collection of a Gentleman

Leffert Lefferts Downing (1888-1956) lived in the Philadelphia area and served in both WWI and WWII. He listed his occupation as "Investments" on his WWI draft card. The University of Pennsylvania lists Leffert as a student at the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce. Leffert's father William C. Downing (1860-1942) was the head of Downing Brothers Coal Firm in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Good estate condition; some rubbing a scratches to gilt case.

LLA works in partnership with ARTA to fulfill shipments of most of the items we sell; ivory is not included. Alternative shipping vendors are available. Please contact our front office for a courtesy listing of local options.