Famous Portrait by Matthew Harris Jouett and Set of Fancy Chairs Highlight Kentucky Auction’s Inaugural Sale

Kentucky-born portrait painter Matthew Harris Jouett is noted for his portraits of statesmen and high-ranking officials. In 1816, he left for Boston to study painting under Gilbert Stuart. After a brief yet significant study period, Jouett painted several portraits of statesman Henry Clay. One of them is a key highlight of The Inaugural Kentucky sale, presented by Kentucky Auction. The available work resulted from a single sitting that most likely took place in 1818 in Kentucky. The oil on poplar panel depicts a densely-shaded image of Clay without much background detail. This portrait exemplifies the influence of Stuart’s tutelage on his star pupil. However, it also illustrates Jouett’s own provincial style and strong design sense. Another striking painting from Kentucky-born artist Henry Faulkner is noteworthy for its use of colors. The oil on board My Soul is a Blue Lion demonstrates Faulkner’s eccentric personality and his avidly vibrant style. 

The sale also offers a set of eight Kentucky-built chairs. The lot comprises one armchair and seven side chairs with the same construction. The top slats are painted with stenciled grape and leaf motifs while the back posts are adorned with gold-painted stripes and ring turnings. To view the complete catalog and register to bid online, visit Kentucky Auction.