Artist Spotlight: Ruth Henshaw Bascom; A Pioneering Voice in American Folk Art

Ruth Henshaw Bascom (1772–1848), affectionately known in her day as “Aunt Ruth,” was one of early America’s most prolific and distinctive folk portraitists. Born in Leicester, Massachusetts, in 1772, Bascom created more than 1,400 life-size profile portraits over the course of her long career; a remarkable output documented meticulously in her lifelong diaries.

Unlike formally trained artists of her era, Bascom carved out a unique space in the early 19th-century art world by blending pastel, cut paper, foil, and collage, bringing both charm and psychological presence to her subjects. She worked mainly in New England communities and often created portraits of family, friends, and neighbors, many of whom couldn’t afford typical commissioned artistry. By accepting barter or modest payment, Bascom ensured her art remained a meaningful and accessible record of American life in her time.

Featured Auction Highlights: 

Pair of Pastel Profile Portraits - Young Man & Woman
One of Bascom’s most compelling works coming to auction is a pair of pastel profile portraits, depicting a young man identified as W. Rodges (son of J.F. Rodges of Bernardston, Mass.) and a woman named Catherine Scott. These dual portraits showcase Bascom’s talent for intimate yet precise character study in her signature profile style. Previously exhibited at the Museum of Early American Folk Arts, this pair carries both historical significance and museum-level provenance.

Lot 31
Estimate: $14,000 - $24,000
Pook & Pook Inc.
January 14, 2026

Pastel Profile Portrait of Cynthia Allen
This individual profile portrait of Cynthia Allen of Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire (b. 1823), dated 1840 and signed by the artist, highlights Bascom’s mature pastel technique. With a refined sense of line and calm emotional presence, this work reflects her evolution beyond simple cut-paper silhouettes into richly-modeled pastel rendering. It has been included in exhibitions such as By Good Hands: New Hampshire Folk Art at The Currier Gallery of Art.

Lot 33
Estimate: $8,000 - $12,000
Pook & Pook Inc.
January 14, 2026

Pastel Profile Portrait — Female Figure 
Also included in the sale is another elegant pastel profile portrait of a female sitter. These individual portraits speak to Bascom’s sensitivity to personal nuances of fashion, facial expression, and character. Together with the other lots, they demonstrate the broad appeal of her work among collectors of American folk and vernacular art.

Lot 71
Estimate: $4,000 - $7,000
Pook & Pook Inc.
January 14, 2026

Pastel Profile Portrait - Gentleman 
Another forthcoming lot features a pastel profile of a gentleman attributed to Bascom, notable for both its crisp profile and provenance through historic private collections. Such works illustrate Bascom’s practice of portraying sitters from diverse walks of life across Massachusetts and New England; each a unique window into early-19th-century American society.

Lot 72
Estimate: $2,000 - $4,000
Pook & Pook Inc.
January 14, 2026

Ruth Henshaw Bascom remains a compelling figure in early American art; not just for her numerous surviving works, but for the historical and cultural insight they provide. Her portraits serve as both artistic and social documents of a formative period in New England life. Whether seen in major museum collections today or offered at auction, Bascom’s work continues to captivate collectors and historians alike.

Through Bidsquare’s upcoming auctions, enthusiasts and specialists alike will have the opportunity to experience firsthand the charm, technical inventiveness, and cultural resonance of Bascom’s extraordinary oeuvre.

View more information about Ruth Henshaw Bascom’s work and register to bid on Bidsquare.com.