Description:
Ambrotype half-length portrait of George Washington Mark (1795-1879) in an inset oval frame within a hinged, leather case. Mark was born in Charlestown, New Hampshire, in 1795 where he may have served as a sailor on a coasting schooner. Prior to his arrival in Greenfield, Massachusetts in 1817, he must have learned the rudiments of painting previously, for in 1818 he advertised in the "Franklin Herald" that he "has commenced House Painting in its various branches and pledges that nothing on his part shall be wanting to give satisfaction" and in 1825, as a "Coach, Sign and House Painter, 2 doors south of the Court House." It is unclear when he began painting primarily landscapes and history paintings, but in December 1848, he announced the opening of his gallery in his home devoted exclusively to his own paintings where he showed 26 paintings; issued a catalogue lising 33 paintings by number and some titles in 1849; and had 76 works in his third exhibition in 1850.
Subjects:
Brass; Glass; Leather Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+95.024 |
