124: GEORGE FISH (1822-1906) PORTRAIT OF BENJAMIN HATHAWAY

George G. Fish (1822-1906)
Benjamin Hathaway, Old Hunter of Agawam, Mass (1849)
The pastel on paper mounted to wood stretchers is signed and dated lower left front and attributed to George G. Fish by a plaque applied lower front.

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 web site.

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