4600

JOHN CARLIN

New York/Pennsylvania, 1813-1891

Miniature portrait on ivory of Helen Smith (Beeckman) Graham wearing a black dress and vibrant red shawl.

Signed mid-left "J Carlin". Sitter identified on accompanying typewritten note "Helen Smith (Beeckman) Graham born Jan 15, 1817 mar. Nov. 22, 1836 died Aug 5, 1896 Painted by J. Carlin in 1848 when she was thirty-one years old.". Genealogical research indicates she was born in New York City, outlived her husband and all her children, died in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin and is buried in Chicago. A copy of Carlin's record book held at the New-York Historical Society lists a portrait for "Mrs. Graham", number 1085, May 1848, for a charge of $20. Housed in a folding case.
Oval 2.25" x 2.5" sight. Case 3.75" x 3.25".
Condition: Not examined out of frame or under UV light, but portrait appears to be in good condition. Case with scuffs and other wear. According to the consignor, the typewritten note is tucked behind the portrait, where it was found originally; an enlarged copy is also included. **Not available for international delivery.**

The absence of a condition report does not imply an object is free of defects. All items may have normal signs of age and wear commensurate with their age; these issues will likely not be mentioned in the condition report. Please contact Eldred's before the auction with any condition questions. Questions about condition will not be answered after purchase. Condition reports are provided as a courtesy, and we are not responsible for any errors or omissions. Important note on frames: Frames are not guaranteed to be in the same condition as they are in the item photograph. Due to handling and shipping, many frames, especially antique ones, are prone to losses. If you have questions about the condition of a frame, please contact us prior to the auction. 

  • Provenance: Notes:
    John Carlin, a deaf-mute, was one of sixteen original students of the Pennsylvania Institute for the Deaf and Dumb, graduating in 1825. He studied portraiture in Philadelphia in the early to mid-1830s, then went on to study in London and Paris. He returned to New York City in 1841 and became a miniaturist. Records show he painted more than 3,000 portrait miniatures, but when the advent of photography made them obsolete, he switched to landscapes and genre scenes. He was also a noted writer and poet, publishing a volume of poetry, a children's book and articles on architecture.

    Carlin was a dedicated advocate for the deaf, helping raise money to build the St. Ann Church for the Deaf in New York and the Gallaudet Home for Aged and Infirm Deaf, and influencing Edward Gallaudet to found a university for the deaf. Carlin spoke at the opening of Gallaudet University in 1864 and later received the university's first honorary Master of the Arts degree.

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November 16, 2023 9:30 AM EST
East Dennis, MA, US

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