Featured Mid 1800’s framed portrait, prepared by Theo kelley

Front oil painting by Rc123 posted Jan 13, 2020 at 8:42 PM

Theo Kelley by Rc123 posted Jan 13, 2020 at 8:41 PM

Theo Kelley by Rc123 posted Jan 13, 2020 at 8:41 PM

Front oil painting by Rc123 posted Jan 13, 2020 at 8:42 PM

Hi, I am trying to figure out the artist for these. The back of the frame is stamped “prepared by Theo Kelley” Arcade, Phill” , which tells me it’s from the mid 1800’s.. any idea of the artist and/or worth? Thanks!

 

Theodore Kelley was a supplier of artists' materials, including pre-primed canvases. His business was located in Philadelphia from 1854 to 1860.
https://books.google.com/books?id=S...age&q=Theo Kelley canvas Philadelphia&f=false
Presumably, the artist was also located in the Philadelphia area.

Your painting looks like a well executed portrait. But without a signature it may be impossible to attribute to a particular artist. Researching professional artists in mid-century Philly could be a way to start.

 

Much appreciated feedback. Do you think I should risk taking frame off to see if signature is hidden under rounded corners?

 

Yeah, why not? Just be careful removing the nails as the frame will be pretty crispy and bits might crack off. If they do, no big deal, just glue them back on with white glue.

 

Can we see some photos of the back to see the construction, and what might be involved in removing the frame? Detailed views of the front would be helpful as well.

 

Absolutely. I can get some more pictures tomorrow. From what I see online, this looks like it could be the works of Rembrandt Peale. I have no idea whom it may be a portrait of

 

Maybe a portrait of Brigham Young?

 

You may be overly optimistic. Wait and see if a signature can be found before jumping to the conclusion that it might be by one of the most famous American portraitists.
Other than the beard style (which was common), I think Brigham Young is also a stretch. He was in Utah by 1847.

 

Portraits of unknown gentleman by unknown artists, even when early Victorian, aren't greatly sought after. Now if it were the portrait of an attractive woman or child. Or better yet, an attractive child with a pet.

Debora

 

Looks like a beautifully executed portrait!! Very nice!!! Whomever he may be!!

 

We took the back off, and there is no signature . O well. Anyone have any idea what the value of this is?

 

Well, if you go to eBay Completed listings, you'll see that oil painted portraits of Victorian gentleman in period frames sell in the low hundreds. Within that range, value is greater for more elaborate frames or if sitter is depicted with something of particular interest. Here's an example... This one sold for just over $600. Note frame and cartographer tools.

Debora