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Charming 19th-Century American Folk Art Double Portrait of Two Young Children in Elaborate White Dresses
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  • Charming 19th-Century American Folk Art Double Portrait of Two Young Children in Elaborate White Dresses
  • Charming 19th-Century American Folk Art Double Portrait of Two Young Children in Elaborate White Dresses
  • Charming 19th-Century American Folk Art Double Portrait of Two Young Children in Elaborate White Dresses
  • Charming 19th-Century American Folk Art Double Portrait of Two Young Children in Elaborate White Dresses
  • Charming 19th-Century American Folk Art Double Portrait of Two Young Children in Elaborate White Dresses
  • Charming 19th-Century American Folk Art Double Portrait of Two Young Children in Elaborate White Dresses
  • Charming 19th-Century American Folk Art Double Portrait of Two Young Children in Elaborate White Dresses
  • Charming 19th-Century American Folk Art Double Portrait of Two Young Children in Elaborate White Dresses
  • Charming 19th-Century American Folk Art Double Portrait of Two Young Children in Elaborate White Dresses
  • Charming 19th-Century American Folk Art Double Portrait of Two Young Children in Elaborate White Dresses
  • Charming 19th-Century American Folk Art Double Portrait of Two Young Children in Elaborate White Dresses
  • Charming 19th-Century American Folk Art Double Portrait of Two Young Children in Elaborate White Dresses
  • Charming 19th-Century American Folk Art Double Portrait of Two Young Children in Elaborate White Dresses
Charming 19th-Century American Folk Art Double Portrait of Two Young Children in Elaborate White Dresses
$385.00 USD

American, circa 1880–1895
Graphite, Pastel, and Hand-Applied White Pigment on Thin Board
8” × 10” | Beautifully Aged Surface

A wonderfully charming and expressive 19th-century American folk art double portrait depicting two young children seated side by side in miniature wooden armchairs. Executed in graphite, softly blended pastel, and textured white pigment, this delightful little portrait possesses tremendous folk art personality and wonderfully naive character.

The children’s wide, soulful eyes, solemn expressions, stylized hairstyles, and delightfully primitive bare feet give the composition irresistible charm. Particularly captivating are their elaborate white dresses, richly decorated with meticulously rendered floral embroidery, lace collars, decorative cuffs, and patterned hems. The raised white decoration contrasts beautifully against the warm, sepia-toned background.

The wonderfully exaggerated proportions, simplified hands, and boldly outlined chairs reveal the individualistic vision of an untrained folk artist. The beautifully aged surface, with its rich brown tones and historic wear, further enhances the portrait’s authentic 19th-century appeal.

Condition: Substantial age-related surface wear, scattered pigment losses, abrasions, and discoloration, particularly along the margins and background. The figures and elaborate white decoration remain wonderfully expressive. Unframed.

A delightfully folky and intimate childhood portrait, distinguished by its soulful little faces, extraordinary embroidered dresses, and wonderfully naive charm.