Lot 2354: ANSON DANIELS (American 1813-1884) PORTRAIT

ANSON DANIELS (American, 1813-1884) PORTRAIT OF WILLIS COOK OF WOONSOCKET, RHODE ISLAND. Large unframed oil on canvas portrait of a distinguished gentleman seated in an armchair with arm on table with a ledger book beside. He wears a black suit coat, bow tie and white shirt. He has white hair with white beard. Signed lower left "A Daniels 1882". Back stretcher has Frost & Adams, Boston label. Pencil inscription on back of stretcher "Willis Cook". Willis and his brother Lyman were long time business figures in the town of Woonsocket and had a great impact on Woonsocket's industrial development. Willis was born Sept. 5, 1803 and was active throughout his life in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. He and his brother built the Cook Block on Main St. and was one of Woonsocket's finest buildings. He was president of the Smithfield Union Bank, Director of the Woonsocket Gas Co. and the American Worsted Co. and he was also one of the original incorporators of the Woonsocket Institute for Savings. This painting was purportedly saved from one of his businesses that suffered a loss due to fire. SIZE: 44" x 34". PROVENANCE: Descended through the sitter's family. CONDITION: Unrestored, in need of restoration with scrapes, small tears. Otherwise in good condition. 9-93884 (800-1,200)