Alfred Bryan Wall (1861-1935) Self Portrait
Our sefl portrait by Alfred Bryan Wall (1861-1935) in oil on canvas measures 20 by 30 inches, and resides in a period gilded wooden and gesso frame measuring 32 by 42 inches. Signed and dated 1887 in lower left.
There are gesso losses particularly on the top and a relatively recent restoration, including rear patch and inpainting, to an area to the left of the figure's left hand.
Provenance: Collection Grove City College, Pennsylavania; bequeathed by Mr. and Mrs. J. Howard Pew, Ardmore, PA.
The artist was born in Pittsburgh and the son of artist, Alfred S. Wall, and nephew of William Coventry Wall. A second-generation member of the Scalp Level School, founded by George Hetzel, he became known for his paintings of sheep in pastoral settings. Known as a landscape painter, he was an exceptional portraitist acclaimed for his portraits of Andrew Carnegie, Mrs. Henry Clay Frick and Harry Darlington. He was a member of the Fine Arts Committee of the Carnegie Institute and exhibited at the World’s Columbian Exhibition (1892–1893) and the National Academy of Design.
This self portrait was completed at the age of just 26 and is a fine example of his skills as a portraitist.
