Randi Ona
     Early American Antiques  

Classic Prior-Hamblin portrait of a young boy in a blue dress holding a toy rattle.  His bright blue eyes ginger hair, fair skin tone, and vivid blue dress stand out dramatically in contrast with the dark background.  Typical of Prior School portraits in this period, it is an oil on artist board in most likely the original single beveled edge, grain painted frame. In excellent condition.  Ex. Private Collection.  Dimensions: sight 9.5" x 13.5; frame 12.25" x 16.25".

 

William Matthew Prior (1806-1873) and Sturtevant Hamblin (1817-1884) were both born in Maine, and both were associated with painting at a young age. Hamblin grew up in a family of painters and glaziers and began working with his father and brothers early on. Prior is known to have been painting professionally by the age of eighteen. Around 1840, the Prior's moved to Boston, and Hamblin followed shortly thereafter. In Boston the duo operated a portrait painting studio, and works identified with the studio are often attributed to the "Prior-Hamblin School" as it is difficult to distinguish one artist's hand from the other. Prior-Hamblin School portraits of children are highly prized.