Old Tomb
Date1839
Artist
William Thompson Russell Smith
(American, 1812 - 1896)
Geography
Probably made -
United States
Medium/TechniqueOil on paper mounted on board; gilt wood
DimensionsOverall (Frame H x W x D): 16 5/8 in. × 14 3/8 in. × 2 1/8 in. (42.23 cm × 36.51 cm × 5.4 cm)
Overall (Sight: H x W): 10 1/2 in. x 8 3/8 in. (26.67 cm x 21.27 cm)
Credit LineGift of Deborah and Gabriel Brener, 2014
Conservation courtesy of The Founders, Washington Committee Endowment Fund
Object numberM-5360
Description: A vertical, rectangular painting of the old tomb at Mount Vernon, surrounded by crumbling fences and a stand of tall trees. A single large tree with visible roots occupies the right foreground, while the tomb is set further back. The tomb is framed by small brick walls, with a stone arch visible above a door of horizontally-laid boards with several boards resting against the door. The stand of trees in the background is loosely and fluidly painted with the degree of finish trailing off towards the left as the trees recede into the background. The sky is not painted in but implied by the white ground. It is framed in a reproduction gilt wood frame, likely put on the painting by Vose Galleries.
SignedThe reverse is inscribed “Original Tomb of Washington/ [W. T.] Russell Smith 1839”. This is presumably in the artist’s hand.
Published References
MarkingsThe frame and backing board are marked with two stickers from Vose Galleries of Boston which give the title, date, materials, and dimensions. The older sticker is blue and red, and taped to the backing board at lower center. The newer sticker is red and white, and is secured to the top proper left corner of the frame. Both stickers include the codes “29367” and “RS 178”, which correspond to the gallery’s filing system. The inner frame is also inscribed “#25367” on the top proper left corner.
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