Autumn 2016 Preview

18 www.antiquesandfineart.com Autumn Childe Hassam (1859–1935) The Fourth of July, 1916 (The Greatest Display of the American Flag Ever Seen in New York, Climax of the Preparedness Parade in May), 1916 Oil on canvas, 36 x 26¼ inches (unframed) New-York Historical Society; Gift of Richard Gilder (2016.31) Photography by Glenn Castellano. The New-York Historical Society is proud to announce a new acquisition, The Fourth of July, 1916 , the magnificent gift of Chairman Emeritus Richard Gilder. This monumental painting by the American Impressionist painter Childe Hassam depicts Fifth Avenue bedecked with dozens of American flags in celebration of Independence Day one hundred years ago. The artist was a committed supporter of the Preparedness Movement, which advocated for a strengthened national defense after the outbreak of war in Europe in July 1914. Proponents of the cause staged parades in cities across the country for the next two years. Witnessing one such parade in May 1916—up Broadway and Fifth Avenue, led by an enormous, 95-foot flag—Hassam commented: “…I looked up the Avenue and saw those wonderful flags waving, and I painted a series of flag pictures after that.” The full title of this painting—the second of Hassam’s flag pictures— conflates the annual July 4th celebration with the fervor created by the Preparedness Movement. One of the last of the artist’s flag series still in private hands, the new acquisition is currently on view at the N-YHS until October 2, 2016. For information visit www.nyhistory.org. Reverend Nathaniel Porter Attributed to John Brewster, Jr. Oil on canvas, 29⅞ x 24⅞ inches. The name John Brewster is written on the back of the frame, possibly alluding to a signature behind the masonite backing board. Conway Public Library, Conway, N.H. Photography by William Hosley. Our local libraries and historical societies hold wonderful discoveries. One was recently made when historian Bill Hosley visited the Conway Public Library in New Hampshire and saw this portrait of Reverend Porter (1741– 1836). A Facebook post resulted in scholar Jonathan Rickard querying whether the portrait could be by John Brewster, Jr. (1766–1854)? Dealer David Schorsch concurred and in a conversation with library curator Bob Cottrell, he confirmed that on occasion other visitors had also suggested the attribution. SacoMuseum curator Carolyn Roy provided details of Brewster’s work; the museum holds the largest collection of his portraits. It is hoped that broader awareness of this portrait will add to the scholarship of Brewster’s work, thanks to the exchange through social media. Porter was the first pastor of the First Church in Conway from 1778 until the age of 95. He was also a chaplain in the Massachusetts Continental Army and a founder of Fryeburg Academy (1792) in the neighboring Maine town. Porter likely made Brewster’s acquaintance through involvement with social circles across the border. Fryeburg is situated between Conway and Bridgton, Maine, where Brewster painted several portraits, including a similar example he signed in 1825 of seventy-six-year-old Squire Enoch Perley, a founder of Bridgton. DISCOVERIES