19th C. American Portrait Miniature Painting J.W. Dodge

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19th C. American Portrait Miniature Painting J.W. Dodge Picture(s) and Description:

An attractive American portrait miniature circa 1835 by John Wood Dodge, of a gentleman with green eyes and brown hair, wearing a black coat, white shirt, and black cravat, against a brown background. The painting is inscribed on the backing paper in Dodge's handwriting: 6 or 8/ Chas'd Ring/ Plain Edge, and is set in the original gilt pendant case. John Wood Dodge (1803-1893), one of the most talented miniaturists in America’s history, was born in New York City, the son of a goldsmith and watchmaker. Dodge began his career by painting tiny designs on watchcases for his father, and then apprenticed to a sign-painter, under whose tutelage he began to paint miniatures. He attended the National Academy of Design during 1826, and began keeping his account book in 1828. In 1831 he married his cousin, Mary Louise Dodge. His portrait of her was one of the pieces included when he exhibited at the National Academy, from 1830 to 1838. He was elected an associate member of the National Academy in 1832. Dodge also exhibited at the Brooklyn Art Association and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. In 1838 he moved south, painting portraits of Andrew Jackson and Henry Clay, executing a series of large dioramas, and traveling to Huntsville, Alabama, Nashville, Tennessee, New Orleans, Louisiana and other southern cities. He purchased an apple farm in Pomona, Tennessee, and he and his wife and five children moved there shortly thereafter. Dodge’s brother, Edward Samuel Dodge, an accomplished miniaturist, joined them there, though he soon died from tuberculosis. As a Unionist, Dodge and his family moved back north to New York City in 1861, and then to Chicago a few years later. In 1889 they returned to their beloved apple farm in Tennessee, where Dodge continued to paint, until he died a few years later. His obituary was published in the New York Times, December 31, 1893. Dodge’s papers are held at the Smithsonian, including his account book, correspondence, and a hand-written biography by James H. McNeilly. His works may be viewed at the Metropolitan Museum, Smithsonian Museum, Cincinnati Art Museum, New York Historical Society, and the Yale University Art Gallery, which holds his self-portrait, painted while he was on the road, for his five year old daughter back home in Tennessee. Further information on Dodge may be found in the November 2003 issue of The Magazine Antiques: “John Wood Dodge and The Portrait Miniature,” by Raymond D. White; and the Volume 6, No. 4, 1994 issue of The American Art Review: “John Wood Dodge, Miniature Painter,” by James C. Kelly. The miniature is in excellent condition. There is one fine hairline crack at 11 o'clock, about 1/4 of an inch long. The portrait may have been cut down from a larger portrait; if so, I think it was probably done by Dodge himself--perhaps at the request of his client, who wished to wear it in a smaller, more intimate locket--since the backing paper is not cut down but fits the miniature, and the backing paper is inscribed by Dodge's hand (based on comparison to numerous other fully signed and inscribed backing papers by him.) Dimensions: 1 ¾ x 1 7/16 inches. There is a low reserve. I do reveal my reserves, if asked.On Mar-08-10 at 06:05:39 PST, seller added the following information:I should add for those not familiar with John Wood Dodge: Miniatures by Dodge (I've sold several) usually sell like hotcakes since he was a premier American artist, and sell in the range of $4000-20,000--so this is a great bargain.(My reserve is below $1000). The hairline is very short and practically invisible unless you are looking for it. I didn't notice it until I examined the portrait with a loupe.