WILLIAM MATTHEW PRIOR, (1806 -73), FOLK PORTRAIT ON BOARD, H 24", W 20 1/2":Portrait of a young lady wearing gold chain and pendant earrings holding book. Inscribed on verso. See letter from Donald R. Walters, curator at Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Collection, authenticating this portrait. William Matthew Prior born 1806, Bath, ME. Died 1873, East Boston, MA. Property of James B. Stanton, M. D. Purchased from William Mooneyham, curator at Henry Ford museum, Dearborn, Michigan.

See copy of letter dated October 21, 1976.  As viewed under UV light in the unopened frame:  turns green in the dark areas so a complete and accurate UV analysis is not possible, however there appears to be some possible highlight overpainting in the sky, her dress, the background and in her hair but nothing in her face, upper shoulder area or her hand that is showing; much 'bubbling' of the paint (e.g. as from heat); noticeable scrapes around the extremities of the oil; board is slightly bowed; the board has period stretchers behind it; some craquelure; later gilt frame is chipped and has patina loss.  Rf, 1-12-2017