‘Johannes Wendell, Albany, N. America’ 1719

Portrait inscribed 'Johannes Wendell, Albany, N. America.' And the envelope on which this is inscribed is post marked 'Amsterdam 1719'. It has descended in the family of origin until recently. Oil on canvas, 45.5 x 37.38 in.

Detail of head

A researcher in the US has submitted the attached images seeking help as the artist’s identity. He adds:  ‘There are a considerable number of portraits extant from Albany from c. 1718 to 1745 by four limners, whose styles are not up to the quality of this portrait. Indeed I see no other colonial limner’s hand in this portrait at this date. So the supposition is it could be English or Dutch. While I have looked at the portraits done by several painters of this period for both countries, I have not seen one as yet which is obviously the same style.”

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Detail of letter