Portrait of Elizabeth Edwards Van Voorhis (?-?)

DateProbably 1805-1809

Artist William King (active 1785-1809)

MediumCut wove paper backed with black fabric (est. silk)

DimensionsPrimary support: 4 5/8" x 3 11/16" and Framed: 6 1/8" x 5 1/4".

Credit LineGift of Mary B. and William Lehman Guyton

Object number1999.306.14

DescriptionA hollow-cut, bust-length, profile portrait of a young woman facing right. She has heavy, rounded bangs, and the rest of her hair is pulled into a knot at the back of her head.
The 7/8-inch molded cyma recta frame with applied rope twist molding has been recently and garishly re-gilded and may be a later (late 19th or early 20th c.?) replacement. Conflicting light fading/darkening patterns on the front of the primary support indicate that, at different times, the image has resided behind a rectangular-shaped light barrier (frame/window mat) and an oval-shaped one. The present (12-15-1999) cover glass is too small for the frame; the gilt decoration on it is well-executed and adequately adhered, but the black paint behind is flaking off rather badly.
InscribedA modern label on the backboard reads, in black ink script, "Great-grand-mother/Elizabeth Edwards/Van Voorhis--". The word "King" appears in printed ballpoint pen lettering at upper right on the backboard. The Guyton acc. no. "S120" appears in black ink on the back of the upper frame member.

MarkingsA blind stamp below the bust reads "KING".

ProvenanceDr. and Mrs. W. Lehman Guyton, Cockeysville, Maryland.