39.  Henry Bone (English, 1755 – 1834) George & Martha Washington at Mount Vernon Oil on Canvas
 
Henry Bone (1755 - 1834), English enamel painter, was born at Truro. He was much employed by London jewellers for small designs in enamel, before his merits as an artist were well known to the public. In 1800 the beauty of his pieces attracted the notice of the Royal Academy, of which he was then admitted as an associate; in 1811 he was made an academician. Up to 1831 he executed many beautiful miniature pieces of much larger size than had been attempted before in England; among these his eighty-five portraits of the time of Queen Elizabeth, of different sizes, from 5 by 4 to 13 by 8 in. are most admired. They were disposed of by public sale after his death. His Bacchus and Ariadne, after Titian, painted on a plate, brought the great price of 2200 guineas. He had 2 sons, who were also notable enamallists: Henry Pierce Bone & Robert Trewick Bone.

George Washington (February 22, 1732 – December 14, 1799) was a central and critical figure in the founding of the United States, and is commonly referred to as father of the nation. He led America's Continental Army to victory over Britain in the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783), and in 1789 was elected the first President of the United States of America. He served two four-year terms from 1789 to 1797, winning reelection in 1792. His devotion to republicanism and civic virtue made him an exemplary figure among early American politicians.

Henry Bone, the best-known English enameller, was born in Truro. Son of a woodcarver and cabinetmaker, he produced a dynasty of enamellers which included Henry Pierce Bone and William Bone. As a child he was taught art and at sixteen had been apprenticed to a porcelain manufacturer in Plymouth, painting landscapes and floral scenes. By 1779, he had settled in London apparently working in an enamel workshop, painting decoration for watches and jewelry. In 1781 he exhibited his first enamel portrait miniature at the Royal Academy, where he continued to show regularly until 1831. Most of his works were on enamel, but he did make a few miniatures on ivory early in his career. His enamels were usually copies after full-scale paintings, although a few were from life.
 
Beautiful original oil-on-canvas of George and Martha Washington at Mount Vernon, attributed to Henry Bone (1755 – 1834).  A pastoral scene of George and Martha presenting Mt. Vernon. Visitors wander the grounds while a ship and boat sail the distant Potomac. Original period gilt frame.
 
Condition Report: Shows normal age and crazing, colors still quite strong
 
Size: 19 x 23.5 in. (48.3 x 59.7 cm.)
 
Provenance: Bruce Gimelson TMS, Dr. J.E. Fields

Estimate: $15,000 – 20,000

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