Portrait of Dr. Samuel Thorne (?-?)

Date1805

Artist Isaac Todd (active 1803-1811)

OriginAmerica, North Carolina (possibly)

MediumCut buff-colored paper with a black fabric backing

DimensionsPrimary Support: 3 9/16in. (9cm) diam. and Framed: 4 3/4in. diam.

Credit LineBequest of May C. Wheelock

Object number1995.306.1

DescriptionA hollow-cut, bust-length, profile portrait of a man facing right. He has a large nose and wears a tied stock and high-collared coat.
The 3/4-inch black-painted cove molded wood frame is possibly original.
Label TextGenealogical data have not yet been located to confirm the data recorded in labeling on this picture, i.e., the statements that the sitter was a North Carolina resident and was portrayed in 1805, one Dr. Samuel Thorne, the son of William Thorne (1769-1838).

Silhouettist Isaac Todd advertised in Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina, and Georgia. Did he also work in North Carolina? And is this an example of his work done there?
InscribedIn pencil in script on the reverse of the primary support is "Dr S. T".
A script inscription in brown ink on the tertiary brown fiberboard backing reads "Dr Samuel Thorne/1805/North Carolina". In another script hand in blue ink and separated by the "North Carolina" line in the preceding inscription is "son of Wm Thorne/1769-1838". Along the upper left edge of the same backing in ballpoint pen in script is "Collection of/May C. Wheelock"
MarkingsA blind stamp below the bust reads "TODD'S/ PATENT". No watermark found.
ProvenanceOwnership prior to AARFAC's source is undocumented.