Rufus Porter Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Rufus Porter Art Value Price Guide

Jan. 31, 2025
Cased Miniature Portrait of a Girl in Red Dress Rufus Porter (1792-1884), New England, mid-19th century
Est: $5,000 - $7,000
Cased Miniature Portrait of a Girl in Red Dress Rufus Porter (1792-1884), New England, mid-19th century Watercolor and gouache painting on paper depicts a child in profile wearing coral necklace and a red Empire waist dress with ruffled lace collar, mounted under glass in leather-upholstered case with silk-lined inside cover, sight, 2 3/4 x 3 1/8 in.
Bonhams
Nov. 19, 2024
Attributed to Rufus Porter (1792-1884), Portrait Miniature of a Boy
Est: $800 - $1,200
Attributed to Rufus Porter (1792-1884), Portrait Miniature of a Boy Watercolor on paper, framed. 3 1/2 in. x 3 in.
Freeman’s | Hindman
Nov. 17, 2024
Attributed to Rufus Porter (American, 1792-1884) Portrait Miniature
Est: $800 - $1,200
Attributed to Rufus Porter (American, 1792-1884) Portrait Miniature of a Lady. Watercolor and ink on paper in what appears to be the original frame that includes eglomise glass. Dimensions: the frame is 7in x 6in. Provenance: Property from a Bucks County, Pennsylvania Collection.
Locati LLC
Oct. 10, 2024
Rufus Porter â Painting on Panel
Est: $2,000 - $4,000
Rufus Porter (1792-1884) (attributed). Painting on wood panel. New England, circa 1840. Provenance: Constance Greer. H 17-1/2" W 21-3/4". Condition: Excellent original condition. Link to hi-res images: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/i0cct6dqzcqg8mvr2hbcr/AN5Ou57RODy3maIQWFzRmQ0?rlkey=b4g6tbdwapywph7gpq1fkfdjq&st=l3penjkw&dl=0
New England Auctions
Oct. 10, 2024
Rufus Porter â Portrait of a Lady
Est: $2,000 - $4,000
Rufus Porter (1792-1884). Portrait of a lady in a red dress. Watercolor on paper. New England, dated 1825. Provenance: Joan R. Brownstein. Frame: H 5-1/8" W 4-1/2". Oval: H 3-1/2" W 2-5/8". Condition: Some toning to paper. Link to hi-res images: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/8kpy2phwh6c6m23em9mla/AJQaHYg4IQMaueb-FQs9At8?rlkey=keb44lm6bt8e1nmw3hk65e164&st=7kk4c62q&dl=0
New England Auctions
Oct. 10, 2024
Rufus Porter â Pair of Miniature Portraits
Est: $2,000 - $4,000
Rufus Porter (1792-1884). Pair of portraits. Watercolor on paper. Original gilt frames with eglomise glass mats. Provenance: Joan R. Brownstein. Frame: L 5-3/4" W 4-7/8". Sight: L 4-1/2" W 3-1/2". Condition: Excellent condition with minor imperfections. Link to hi-res images: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/sd4h74tz1eluhtoxlml0d/AIKmaYTUQRMnYQNZX8nUnsk?rlkey=wimtjlbua2oj8fwq25zsdtcq3&st=dardp13v&dl=0
New England Auctions
Aug. 01, 2024
Attributed to Rufus Porter, American 1792-1884, Portrait of a Young Man, Watercolor
Est: $700 - $1,000
Attributed to Rufus Porter American, 1792-1884 Portrait of a Young Man Watercolor Portrait miniature of a young man wearing a dark blue jacket, c. 1835, appears to be unsigned. Provenance: Skinner, Boston, MA, November 3, 2007, Sale 2384, lot 144; Property from a New England Collector
Nye & Company
Jul. 18, 2024
Rufus Porter Miniature Portrait of a Young Man
Est: $250 - $500
Rufus Porter miniature portrait of a young man.Period, possibly original frame. Circa 1835. Frame: H 6-3/4", W 5-3/4", D 1-1/4". Sight: H 3-1/4", W 2-1/4". Condition: Excellent condition with minor imperfections. Copy and paste link for high-res images: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/zeqqt7a5rw0k517r1dy6q/AIS429urgTyZKpuorw0nFpU?rlkey=1j4fiurlnxkor1nx4apgnr4yq&st=3eixljkf&dl=0
New England Auctions
May. 04, 2024
MINIATURE WATERCOLOR OF A CHILD ATTRIBUTED TO RUFUS PORTER (1792-1884).
Est: $800 - $1,200
MINIATURE WATERCOLOR OF A CHILD ATTRIBUTED TO RUFUS PORTER (1792-1884). American, 19th Century. In an eglomise frame. Contemporary notation on back "Miss Mallery Painted by Rufus Porter 1827". 4.5"w. 5.5"h. From the collection of the late Audrey Caspari (New Jersey).
Amelia Jeffers
Nov. 30, 2023
[EARLY PHOTOGRAPHY]. Two cased images of paintings, highlighted by a ninth plate ambrotype of a miniature portrait by Rufus Porter (1792-1884).
Est: $400 - $600
[EARLY PHOTOGRAPHY]. Two cased images of paintings, highlighted by a ninth plate ambrotype of a miniature portrait by Rufus Porter (1792-1884). Ninth plate ambrotype featuring a miniature portrait of a gentleman in profile painted by American artist Rufus Porter. (Some discoloration to plate, few scattered spots; unsealed.) Housed in a half case (surface nearly completely worn off). [With:] Quarter plate daguerreotype featuring a painted portrait of a woman wearing a large bonnet, original artist unknown. (Abundant wipe marks throughout, heavy rubbing with some image loss to lower right portion to plate, tarnishing to edges, no preserver present; resealed.) Housed in a fully separated leatherette case (split at spine, surface wear and loss). This lot is located in Cincinnati. Early Photography Collection of Jules Martino, Silverton, Oregon
Hindman
Nov. 15, 2023
Rufus Porter (1792-1884) and Amos M. Holbrook (active 1830-1831), Two Portrait Miniatures of Young Ladies, New England, circa 1830
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
Rufus Porter (1792-1884) and Amos M. Holbrook (active 1830-1831), Two Portrait Miniatures of Young Ladies, New England, circa 1830 Watercolor on paper, the second signed, “A.M. Holbrook/ Del. 1831,” in pencil, framed. 3 ⅓ x 2 ¾ in. and 3 ½ x 2 7/8 in. (sight) Provenance Property from a Private New Jersey Collection.
Freeman's | Hindman
Nov. 12, 2023
Rufus Porter (1792-1884). Miniature Portrait of a Man.
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
Image 3.5 x 2.5 inches, in a period frame.
Casco Bay Auctions
Nov. 12, 2023
Rufus Porter (1792-1884). Miniature Portrait of a Man.
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
Image 3 x 2.5 inches, in a period frame.
Casco Bay Auctions
Jun. 21, 2023
Rufus Porter - Three Family Portraits
Est: $8,000 - $12,000
Rufus Porter (1792-1884) - Group of three miniature portraits of mother, father and daughter. Watercolor and graphite on paper. Provenance: Pam Boynton. Northeast Auctions, August 1-3, 2003. Lot 603. Parents: Frame: H 6-3/4" W 5-1/2". Sight: H 5" W 3-1/2". Daughter: Frame: H 6" W 4-3/4". Sight: H 4-3/4" W 3-1/2". Condition: Excellent original condition. Minor imperfections to frames. Period, probably original frames. Copy and paste link for high-res images: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/xcw8gp24w3mkc1ff0elts/h?dl=0&rlkey=yy9uj349r3grdlj3l65vhwxyx
New England Auctions
Jun. 21, 2023
Rufus Porter - Family Group of Miniature Portraits
Est: $8,000 - $12,000
Rufus Porter (1792-1884) - Three miniature family portraits. Inscribed on verso 'General Harris and Wife' and 'Daughter'. Lowell, Massachusetts. Provenance: Christie's, NYC, Sale 1474 Lot 405. Double Portrait Frame: H 6" W 8-5/8". Sight: H 4-1/2" W 7". Child Frame: H 6 1/8" W 5". Sight: H-4 5/8" W 3-1/2". Condition: Excellent original condition. Frames appear original. Copy and paste link for high-res images: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/puk6nghyjnuyheydxjqcc/h?dl=0&rlkey=4elf7ste022j8gbp45anvxtbq
New England Auctions
Jun. 21, 2023
Rufus Porter - Miniature Portrait of a Lady
Est: $1,500 - $3,000
Rufus Porter (1792-1884) - Miniature portrait of a lady in a blue dress. Watercolor on paper. Inscribed on back 'Amy Hale. Born Nashua, Daughter Abraham Hall and Mary Adams'. Period, probably original frame. New England, circa 1835. Provenance: Ben Karr. Frame: H 5-1/8" W 4-1/2". Sight: H 3-1/4" W 2-1/2". Condition: Excellent original condition. Copy and paste link for high-res images: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/oyb73xaltdcsj2e/AADamy3g1r1Jpvn2TkzFNGVAa?dl=0
New England Auctions
Jun. 21, 2023
Rufus Porter - Portrait of a Boy
Est: $1,500 - $2,500
Rufus Porter (1792-1884) - Miniature portrait of a boy. Watercolor on paper. Period, probably original frame with eglomise mat. Provenance: Martha Boynton. Frame: H 6" W 4-3/4". Sight: H 4-5/8" W 3-1/2". Condition: Excellent original condition. Minor foxing. Copy and paste link for high-res images: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/nuq05jyad28791f/AAARTuov9HULboPknAtGrF3Za?dl=0
New England Auctions
Mar. 25, 2023
Portrait Miniature Attributed to Rufus Porter
Est: $600 - $900
(Maine, 1792-1884) Portrait of a Gentleman, unsigned, watercolor on paper, sight, 3 x 2-3/8 in.; gilt wood frame, 8-1/8 x 7-1/2 in. Provenance: Estate of Richard C. Washam
Brunk Auctions
Jan. 14, 2023
Signed Rufus Porter Miniature Portrait of a Lady
Est: $2,000 - $4,000
Rufus Porter (1792-1884). Miniature portrait of a young lady. Watercolor on paper. New England, circa 1825. Inscription on wooden backing, "Sarah Bartlett 1825". Signed, Rufus Porter. Condition: Excellent original condition. Minor pigment loss. Frame: H 6" W 4-7/8". Sight Oval: H 3-3/4" W 2-3/4". Provenance: Nina Fletcher Little. Copy and paste this link for high-res images: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/1ivqgpothewsvl6/AAA3udnFdXc056Vqqbz9XgfKa?dl=0
New England Auctions
Jul. 09, 2022
AMBROTYPE OF A MINIATURE PORTRAIT BY RUFUS PORTER (MA/CT, 1792-1884)
Est: $2,200 - $2,600
Framed Period Photograph, circa 1845, from a painted portrait of a young man, facing right, in a gilt oval embossed mat and tiger maple mitered frame, 4 3/4" x 4 1/4", very good condition.
Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
Dec. 05, 2020
Miniature 19th C. Portrait Profile Painting
Est: $800 - $1,200
Profile portrait of a U.S. Naval Officer, executed circa 1835, in watercolor on paper, attributed to Rufus Porter (American, 1792-1884). No visible signature. Matted, in a gilt-edged wood frame. [Art: 2 3/8" H x 2 1/8" W].
Roland Auctions NY
Nov. 10, 2020
Rufus Porter (1792-1884), Pair of portrait miniatures: A lady and a gentleman
Est: $800 - $1,200
Rufus Porter (1792-1884) Pair of portrait miniatures: A lady and a gentleman Watercolor and ink on paper, reverse-painted mat, framed. 4 1/2 in. x 3 1/4 in. (sight)
Freeman's | Hindman
Jun. 08, 2019
Watercolor Portrait Miniature of a Woman, Attributed to Rufus Porter
Est: $500 - $700
Attributed to Rufus Porter (American, 1792-1884). Watercolor on paper, a miniature profile portrait of a woman, in original frame with eglomise border; 3.5 x 2.5 in. (portrait), 6 x 5 in. (frame). With accompanying label from Frank Ganci, noting that miniature was identified by Jean Lipman. Provenance: Stephen-Douglas Antiques, Rockingham, Vermont Frank Ganci Antiques, Schooley's Mountain, New Jersey Property from the Americana Collection of Robert and Barbara Hudson, Lakewood, Colorado
Cowan's Auctions
Aug. 26, 2018
RUFUS PORTER PRINTED REGISTER TILTON
Est: $200 - $400
Family register of the Tilton-Cooper family, dating to 1801; Published by itinerate artist Rufus Porter and printed in Boston. 6 3/4 x 5 1/4 inches
John McInnis Auctioneers
Aug. 26, 2018
RUFUS PORTER PRINTED REGISTER TODD
Est: $200 - $400
Family register of the Todd-Jewett family, dating to 1806; Published by itinerate artist Rufus Porter and printed in Boston. 6 3/4 x 5 1/4 inches
John McInnis Auctioneers
Jul. 14, 2018
Rufus Porter Attributed Pair of Portraits
Est: $1,500 - $2,500
Rufus Porter Attributed Pair of Portraits, Pair of watercolor on paper profile portraits of a young couple with fine detailed work, 5" x 3 3/4", set in a molded gold frame with a reverse paint glass with a gold leaf decorated oval and a black surround. 7" x 5 3/4" overall, one of the glasses are cracked in the lower right quadrant, this portrait has been removed from the frame so that no rubbing damage can occur, some of the reverse black painted surface has left a residue on the portrait edges where it was behind the glass, unknown sitters, E19thC.
The Cobbs
Apr. 25, 2018
Plumb and level indicator, Manufactured by Rufus Porter (1792-1884), circa 1847
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
Plumb and level indicator Manufactured by Rufus Porter (1792-1884), circa 1847 Framed hand-colored engraving inscribed, "Plumb & Level Indicator. Manufactured by R. Porter, New York." 9 1/2 in. x 9 1/2 in.
Freeman's | Hindman
Apr. 25, 2018
Attributed to Rufus Porter (1792-1884) and Amos Holbrook (active 1830-1831), Two portrait miniatures of young men, first half 19th c...
Est: $800 - $1,200
Attributed to Rufus Porter (1792-1884) and Amos Holbrook (active 1830-1831) Two portrait miniatures of young men, first half 19th century Both, watercolor and graphite on paper, framed. 4 in. x 3 in. (largest, sight)
Freeman's | Hindman
Nov. 15, 2017
Rufus Porter (1792-1884), Portrait miniature of a young man
Est: $800 - $1,200
Rufus Porter (1792-1884) Portrait miniature of a young man Watercolor on paper, églomisé mat, verso with hand-written inscription,"Mrs. Eliza Bean No. 178 if you can't get a good picture from this, don't copy get the expression of the face," framed. 4 3/4 in. x 3 3/4 in. (sight) PROVENANCE: The Collection of Eugene E. Derryberry (1942-2007) of Roanoke, Virginia. Pamela P. Boynton, Groton, Massachusetts, May 28, 1996.
Freeman's | Hindman
Oct. 28, 2017
RUFUS PORTER (AMERICAN 1792-1884). PAIR OF MINIATURE PROFILE PORTRAITS OF MR. AND MRS. T.W. CHURCHILL OF ELMIRA, NEW YORK.
Est: $1,800 - $2,800
Each watercolor, pencil and ink on paper, 4 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches, sight. Unsigned. The reverse of his portrait inscribed in pencil with sitter's name. Each in original frames with gilt-decorated eglomise mats, frame size 6 1/4 x 5 inches.
Bourgeault-Horan Antiquarians
Oct. 28, 2017
RUFUS PORTER (AMERICAN 1792-1884). MINIATURE PROFILE PORTRAIT OF A YOUNG WOMAN WEARING A BLUE DRESS WITH RUFFLED COLLAR.
Est: $900 - $1,500
Watercolor on paper, 3 1/2 x 2 5/8 inches. Unsigned. In a black and gilt eglomise mat with frame, 5 1/2 x 4 5/8 inches. Provenance: Martha Boynton Antiques, Groton, Massachusetts.
Bourgeault-Horan Antiquarians
Feb. 10, 2017
ATTRIBUTED TO RUFUS PORTER (American, 1792-1884) PORTRAIT MINIATURE PROFILE OF A YOUNG GENTLEMAN.
Est: $2,000 - $4,000
Unsigned watercolor on paper housed in its original brass frame with convex glass and blue silk backing, circa 1830. Finely detailed profile of a man wearing a high collar, black coat and salmon collared shirt with brown hair swept forward as was the fashion of the day. SIZE: Overall 2-3/4" x 2-1/4" PROVENANCE: A Cape Cod Massachusetts collection CONDITION: Very good with tiny craquelure in hair, slight fading, separation to silk backing. 51331-17
James D. Julia
Jan. 21, 2017
ATTRIBUTED TO RUFUS PORTER (1792-1884) | Bust Length Portrait of a Young Lady Wearing a Ruffled White Dress and Red Necklace
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
watercolor on paper
Sotheby's
Nov. 14, 2015
RUFUS PORTER (AMERICAN, 1792-1884), ATTRIBUTED, FOLK ART MINIATURE PORTRAIT OF A GENTLEMAN
Est: $200 - $300
RUFUS PORTER (AMERICAN, 1792-1884), ATTRIBUTED, FOLK ART MINIATURE PORTRAIT OF A GENTLEMAN, watercolor and pencil on paper, a finely delineated example, executed in profile, the sitter sporting sideburns, a high collar, and five o'clock shadow. Housed under glass in a period molded gilt-wood frame.
Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates
Sep. 24, 2015
Attributed to Rufus Porter (1792-1884) Three Miniature Profile P
Est: -
Attributed to Rufus Porter (1792-1884) Three Miniature Profile Portraits of a Mother, Daughter and Father
Christie's
Sep. 24, 2015
Attributed to Rufus Porter (1792-1884) Portrait Miniature of a Y
Est: -
Attributed to Rufus Porter (1792-1884) Portrait Miniature of a Young Man in Profile
Christie's
Aug. 26, 2015
ATTRIBUTED TO RUFUS PORTER (American, 1792-1884) PAIR OF MINIATURE PROFILE PORTRAITS OF A MAN & WOMAN.
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
Unsigned, Circa 1820. Watercolor on paper. Each showing an oval side view. The woman in a bust length right facing profile. She is wearing a light blue dress with a lace ruffle at the neck, beaded gold necklace & tortoise shell comb in her up swept hair. The man in a bust length left facing profile. He is wearing a deep blue coat with white shirt & bot tie. Housed in their original gilt wood frames (1 eglomise glass missing). NOTE: According to the Rufus Porter Museum, these have the characteristic features of the "heart" shaped interior bottom of ear, as well as the grey interior. Also typical football vertical eyeballs & a vertical slash for pupils. SIZE: Sight: 3-1/4" x 2". Overall: 6" x 5". PROVENANCE: From a fine Western Massachusetts home. CONDITION: Light toning, examined out of frame. The oval mats & images glued to light cardboard. One glass for frame replaced without eglomise decoration. 48552-2
James D. Julia
Aug. 15, 2015
PROFILE PORTRAIT OF A YOUNG MAN IN DARK BLUE COAT. ATTRIBUTED TO RUFUS PORTER (AMERICAN 1792-1884).
Est: $300 - $500
Watercolor on paper, 5 x 3 1/2 inches, sight. Frame 6 3/4 x 5 1/2 inches.
Bourgeault-Horan Antiquarians
Aug. 02, 2015
Morris Museum mini. of man, R. Porter
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
19TH C. WATERCOLOR AND INK PROFILE Very finely drawn profile of a young gentleman in a blue coat and white ruffled collar, c. 1820, attributed to Rufus Porter (1792-1884), in a black frame with decorative raised brass liner, and brass circular hanger with rose and thistle decorative clip, overall toning and minor discoloration, exhibited at the Morris Museum, NJ Collector Series, April-June 1991, The Fertig Folk Art Collection, 3 3/4" x 3" (sight), 6 1/2" x 5 1/2" (frame), (ex. Fertig collection).
Willis Henry Auctions Inc.
Sep. 23, 2014
Attributed to Rufus PorterAmerican, 1792-1884 Fine American and European Furniture, Silver, Folk and Decorative Arts and Clocks
Est: -
Profile portrait of a woman with black dress, white cap and collar; back of frame and backboard each bear red accession number 50.4; inside of backboard bears small paper label inscribed 3947/J36/3. watercolor and ink on paper 3 3/4 x 3 1/4in (9.5 x 8.3cm)
Bonhams
Sep. 23, 2014
Attributed to Rufus PorterAmerican, 1792-1884 Fine American and European Furniture, Silver, Folk and Decorative Arts and Clocks
Est: -
Profile portrait of a young woman with black dress and hair in a bun; paper backing bears Old Print Shop label and small paper label inscribed 3947/J36/3, framed. watercolor and ink on paper sight 4 x 3in (10.2 x 7.8cm)
Bonhams
Sep. 23, 2014
Attributed to Rufus PorterAmerican, 1792-1884 Fine American and European Furniture, Silver, Folk and Decorative Arts and Clocks
Est: -
Profile portrait of a young woman with red hair in ringlets lower edge bears indistinct inscription; back side of frame bears indistinct ink inscription; frame and back board each bear red accession number 50.5. watercolor and ink on paper sheet 4 x 3 1/4in (10.2 x 8.4cm)
Bonhams
Aug. 17, 2014
RUFUS PORTER (AMERICAN 1792-1884). MINIATURE PROFILE PORTRAIT OF THOMAS FERNALD, CIRCA 1825.
Est: $800 - $1,200
Fernald (1792-1849) a Portsmouth merchant, maintained a shop at the corner of Daniel and Penhallow streets. Watercolor, pen and ink on paper. In an oval gilt highlighted eglomise mat, frame 5 7/8 x 4 7/8 inches.
Bourgeault-Horan Antiquarians
Aug. 02, 2014
PAIR OF BUST-LENGTH PROFILE PORTRAITS OF A YOUNG COUPLE, ATTRIBUTED TO RUFUS PORTER (1792-1884).
Est: $1,600 - $2,400
The lady depicted in blue, her hair dressed with tortoiseshell comb, gingham ribbon and dotted barrette; the gentleman in blue jacket and white cravat. Each pencil and watercolor on paper, 3 3/4 x 2 3/8 inches, sight.
Bourgeault-Horan Antiquarians
Aug. 02, 2014
MINIATURE PORTRAIT OF A YOUNG BOY IN BLUE COAT. ATTRIBUTED TO RUFUS PORTER (1792-1884).
Est: $800 - $1,200
Watercolor on paper in a gilt and black eglomise mat, frame 5 1/2 x 4 3/4 inches.
Bourgeault-Horan Antiquarians
Aug. 02, 2014
RUFUS PORTER (1792-1884). MINIATURE PROFILE PORTRAIT OF A MAN WEARING A BLACK CRAVAT AND WAISTCOAT.
Est: $800 - $1,200
Pencil and watercolor on paper, 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches, sight. In a stamped gilt metal frame.
Bourgeault-Horan Antiquarians
Aug. 02, 2014
RUFUS PORTER (1792-1884). MINIATURE PROFILE PORTRAIT OF A YOUNG WOMAN WEARING A DRESS TRIMMED WITH LACE COLLAR, HER HAIR IN A TORTOISESHELL COMB.
Est: $800 - $1,200
Pencil and watercolor on paper, 3 1/2 x 2 1/8 inches, sight. In a gilt molded frame.
Bourgeault-Horan Antiquarians
Mar. 02, 2014
Rufus Porter (American, 1792-1884) Small Profile Portrait of a Young Man, Moses Hale Pil[l]sbury. Unsigned, sitter identified in inscri
Est: $300 - $500
Rufus Porter (American, 1792-1884) Small Profile Portrait of a Young Man, Moses Hale Pil[l]sbury. Unsigned, sitter identified in inscriptions on the reverse and on a paper label. Watercolor on paper, oval portrait, 3 1/2 x 2 3/4 in., in a blue eglomise and gilt mat and period molded giltwood frame. Condition: Minor toning. Note: Moses Hale Pillsbury was born in Boscawen, Merrimack County, New Hampshire, on June 12, 1800 to Moses Pillsbury and Martha Hale. He married Lucy Mackintire, had six children, and passed away on March 13, 1841, in Boston.
Skinner