Watercolor on ivory, signed and dated 1815 to lower right, the verso backing ink inscribed Clarissa Glidden / likeness taken by J. Brewster / aged 18 years / She was married to J. Perkins 1820-, unframed.

2 7/8 x 2 1/4 in. (including backing)

Collection of a Gentleman

Genealogical research points to the sitter as Clarissa Glidden (1798-1833) of New Hampshire, who married Reverend Jared Perkins (1793-1854) in March of 1820. They had four children in 10 years. She died on February 14, 1833, at the early age of 35, and was buried in Unity, New Hampshire.

American artist, John Brewster Jr., was born deaf-mute and worked successfully as an itinerant portrait painter along the New England coast. He worked extensively in Maine but traveled throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, and eastern New York State in search of portrait commissions.

The sitter in this portrait, Clarissa Glidden, lived in New Hampshire, directly in the middle of this trajectory. His portraits are highly regarded as masterpieces of American portraiture, helping to define the regional New England style of the period. His work is recognized by delicate skin tones, clear facial features, and a devoted sensitivity to the sitter's likeness and personality.

Exhibitions of Brewster's work have been held extensively throughout the United States, including the traveling exhibition in 2006-2007: A Deaf Artist in Early America: The Worlds of John Brewster.

Vertical crack straight through, with some convex warping; toning to backing.

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.