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2022.100.2,a&b, Portrait
Probably a Self-Portrait of James Herring
2022.100.2,a&b, Portrait

Probably a Self-Portrait of James Herring

DateJanuary 1823
Attributed to James Herring (1794-1867)
OriginAmerica, New York
MediumOil on panel
DimensionsOverall: 32 × 24 1/2in. (81.3 × 62.2cm)
Credit LineGift of Deborah Davenport and Stewart Stender in Memory of Gordon and Marjorie Davenport
Object number2022.100.2,A&B
DescriptionPortrait of a man seated in a red upholstered side arm chair. He is wearing a black suit jacket with a white stock. He holds a book with his left hand and two more books rest on the table behind him.
Label TextThese charming portraits likely depict artist James Herring and his first wife, Ann. Although neither includes a formal signature, one of the books depicted in the back of the male sitter's portrait includes the title The Life of J. Herring. Both portraits are marked on the back with the date "Jan. 1823" and while such a book did not exist in 1823, in 1863, Herring published an autobiography recording his family history and career.

In 1838, Herring set out to establish an arts organization focused on spreading national awareness of American arts through the distribution of etchings, medals, and an illustrated newsletter. The initial exhibition of The American Art-Union, held that year, included a "Portrait of J. Herring, by himself" among the 260 works exhibited.
ProvenanceDates unknown, Ruth Ellis (Mattapoisett, Massachusetts); Before 1988, Lois Spring (Sheffield, Massachusetts); 1988, Gordon Davenport, M.D. [1925-2017] (Madison, Wisconsin); 2017 by inheritance to his daughter, Deborah Davenport (Eden Prairie, Minnesota); 2022-present, given to The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, Virginia)