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This portrait illustrates the combination of technical skill and naivete that marks much of Chandler's early work. The subtle shading and coloring of Dr. Goodhue's face and the competent treatment of the eyeglasses and book are evidence of an accomplished hand, although the sitter's pose and the position of his left arm appear stiff. As in many of Chandler's portraits of adults the palette is dark and somber, and the composition heavy.
Exhibition History“Folk Art Masters,” The Menello Museum of American Folk Art, Orlando, FL, September 19, 2001 – January 6, 2002.
ProvenanceFound near New Haven, Connecticut; Mrs. Agnes Halsey Jones, Cooperstown, New York
BibliographyPaul S. D'Ambrosio and Charlotte M. Emans, "Folk Art's Many Faces: Portraits in the New York State Historical Association," Cooperstown, New York 1987, p.53, illus. as no. 22, p. 53.
Artist
Joseph Goodhue Chandler
(1813 - 1884)
Dr. Joseph Goodhue, Aged 81
Date1844
MediumOil on canvas
DimensionsSight: 35 1/2 × 28 5/8 in. (90.2 × 72.7 cm)
Object numberN0186.1965
Credit LineCollection of the Fenimore Art Museum. Gift of Agnes Halsey Jones
Photograph by Richard Walker
Label TextDr. Joseph Goodhue (1764 - 1849), the maternal grandfather of the artist, was a surgeon in the United States Army at Fort Constitution, New Hampshire, before moving to Deerfield, Massachusetts. He was apparently painted at least three times by Chandler, twice in May of 1844 in nearly identical poses.
This portrait illustrates the combination of technical skill and naivete that marks much of Chandler's early work. The subtle shading and coloring of Dr. Goodhue's face and the competent treatment of the eyeglasses and book are evidence of an accomplished hand, although the sitter's pose and the position of his left arm appear stiff. As in many of Chandler's portraits of adults the palette is dark and somber, and the composition heavy.
Exhibition History“Folk Art Masters,” The Menello Museum of American Folk Art, Orlando, FL, September 19, 2001 – January 6, 2002.
ProvenanceFound near New Haven, Connecticut; Mrs. Agnes Halsey Jones, Cooperstown, New York
BibliographyPaul S. D'Ambrosio and Charlotte M. Emans, "Folk Art's Many Faces: Portraits in the New York State Historical Association," Cooperstown, New York 1987, p.53, illus. as no. 22, p. 53.
On View
Not on viewc. 1850-1859
