Lot 1184: Attributed to Nathaniel Smibert (American, 1734-1756) Fine American and European Furniture, Silver, Folk and Decorative Arts and Clocks

Pair of portraits of Peter and Elizabeth Pelham Harrison He inscribed on the reverse Portrait of Peter Harrison / Born July 27-1713 / Mar: Elizabeth Pelham / Died 1774 at New Haven, Conn / He was Assist: Architect of / Blenheim Palace Eng: also / Architect of the Redwood Library / Newport; Afterwards Collector / of New Haven & Newport: / Copy of this prescented (sic) to the / Redwood Library by the / Family. She inscribed on the reverse Portrait of Elizabeth Pelham / (by Smibert) / Mar: Peter Harrison July 16-1746 / Died at New Haven / Copies presented to the /Redwood Library at newport R.I. / by the Family 30 1/4 x 25 1/8in (76.8 x 63.8cm) oil on canvas, framed

76.8 x 63.8cm

: By descent in the family Mr. Shipley Jones, New York Mrs. John D. Van Buren, sister Maurice P. Van Buren, son and great-great-great grandson of sitters

Peter Harrison was born in England and emigrated to Rhode Island in 1740 but returned to England between 1743 and 1745 where he received his formal training as an architect in the Palladian style. In addition to the Redwood Library in Newport, other Newport buildings include the Brick Market Building and the Touro Synagogue, as well as King's Chapel in Boston and Christ Church in Cambridge. A confirmed Loyalist, the American Revolution brought ruin upon him and his home in New Haven was attacked by a mob shortly after his death in 1775. At that time, his library and collection of original drawings was destroyed.