123: GEORGE FISH (1822-1906) PORTRAIT OF BRANCH PIERCE 1849

George G. Fish (1822-1906)
Branch Pierce, Old Hunter of Plymouth Woods, Massachusetts (1849)
The pastel on paper mounted to wood stretchers is attributed to George G. Fish by a plaque applied lower front.

A companion piece in this same sale identically framed and attributed is signed and dated by Fish.

The elaborate frame with heavy plaster and white metal applications is attributed to the artist's brother, William H. Fish (1821-1880) by an artist's biographical portrait on the Dayton Art Institute website.

Information and anecdotes gleaned from genealogy sources and period newspapers state that Branch Pierce, the celebrated 'Old Hunter of the Plymouth Woods' at Long Pond, Massachusetts is credited with having killed 257 deer in his lifetime, including sixty-nine in a single year. Born and died at Plymouth, he married Rebecca Ruth Bates in 1810. One source credits him as Daniel Webster's hunting guide and the following was found in the Chatham Courier, 28 September 1865, 'Mr. Webster's custom, in the hunting season to travel across from Marshfield to Plymouth Woods, and meet the other huntsmen at the cabin of ' Uncle Branch.''

The artist George Fish was born on Nantucket where by the age of 27, he'd established himself as a portraitist working primarily in pastels. He exhibited at the National Academy of Design in New York between 1858 and 1863, and following his marriage in 1866, spent an extended honeymoon in France where he studied with the French pastelist Constant Joseph Brochart (1816-1899). Returning to Nantucket, Fish continued to paint, play the violin, lecture on worldly topics and became a respected figure in the island's cultural life.
Canvas measures 30 x 25 with a framed size of 45 x 39 x 8 inches.
Very good, clean, intact, sturdy condition, no rubs, overly no visible stain, damage, repair, punctures or tears. The frame is very good, intact and without major damage, replacements or repairs. The metal antlers are slightly misshapen in only some cases, the gold finish is at least old if not original. The swivel eyelet hangers and original glass glazing are available.
$1,500 - $2,000