An 18th-Century George Washington and Nicolino Calyo Painting Headline Freeman’s Americana Auction

A portrait of George Washington in presidential costume will lead the upcoming Americana auction, presented by Freeman’s. It is an oil painting by Rembrandt Peale acquired from the estate of former Pennsylvania Governor William W. Scranton and First Lady Mary L. Scranton. Peale is one of the most recognized portrait artists in American history. In a way, he carried on the legacy of his father, Charles Willson Peale. Peale Sr. was a portrait painter, soldier, scientist, inventor, and politician. He also established the Peale Museum, one of the first museums in the United States. Rembrandt Peale, like his father, was fond of his family, politicians like George Washington, and painting. Another noteworthy lot in the fine art category is by Nicolino Calyo, titled View of the Schuylkill River & Fairmount Water Works, Philadelphia. The oil painting is signed and dated 1853.

Among furniture, a Queen Anne carved cherry bonnet-top high chest from Connecticut stands out. Made around 1775, the high chest has a shell-carved drawer for the upper and lower case. The upper case of the highboy has elaborate bonnet details while the lower half sits on curved legs. The piece is an example of the American Colonial furniture produced in the 18th century. The auction offers several additional pieces of American furniture, including a fine Chippendale carved mahogany chest-on-chest and a Pemberton-Morris-Lloyd Chippendale carved and figured mahogany sideboard table, attributed to Thomas Affleck. Apart from furniture and paintings, the auction offers silverware by John Coney and John Dixwell, as well as embroidery. Find the listed items and more on Freeman’s and register to place a bid.