AMERICAN SCHOOL (19th Century,), Interior meeting scene., Oil on canvas, 25" x 30". Framed 30" x 35".

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Americana Week: The Martha Hamilton Collectio...

By Eldred's

Jul 22, 2025

Set Reminder 2025-07-22 09:30:00 2025-07-22 09:30:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Americana Week: The Martha Hamilton Collection https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/eldreds/americana-week-the-martha-hamilton-collection-19966
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• Lot Description
  AMERICAN SCHOOL
  19th Century
  Interior meeting scene. Unsigned. Housed in a period frame.
  Oil on canvas, 25" x 30". Framed 30" x 35".
  Provenance:
  Vose Galleries, Boston.
  The Collection of Martha Hamilton.
  
  Notes:
  New scholarship suggests this may be the work of Deacon Robert Peckham (Worcester, Massachusetts, 1785-1877).
  
  From Emily C. Esser, American Folk Art Specialist and cataloguer for Deacon Robert Peckham, and webmaster of www.paintingsworthlookingat.com:
  This unusual interior scene depicts a group of well-dressed New England gentlemen, gathered for a meeting over dinner. The fifteen figures are carefully and deliberately arranged in a row that brings to mind classical tableaus. The room's high ceiling and paneled walls, which consume the upper half of the composition, are very precisely painted. The meticulously executed mirror reflection - an unnecessary and impressive detail - showcases the artist's skill and ability.
  
  The outfits, and the style of the home, date the piece to circa 1820-35, as per various art and architecture colleagues. It is well-rendered and precise without losing any of its folky charm or character. The gentlemen have unique and varied personalities, shown through pose and expression, and are almost mini-portraits of their own. All remain anonymous for now.
  
  The artist cannot be currently confirmed, and no decisive attribution should be made at this time. However, the piece bears a significant resemblance to Deacon Robert Peckham's "Peckham-Sawyer Family", now at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. That painting, dating to 1817, is a very similarly composed interior scene, with a large group of Massachusetts citizens artistically arranged around a dinner table. The sixteen figures depict Peckham's own well-loved family, in-laws, and even the artist himself (second from the right)! See:
  https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Robert_Peckham_-_The_Peckham-Sawyer_Family_-_1979.394_-_Museum_of_Fine_Arts.jpg
  
  "Peckham-Sawyer Family" also evokes the kind of complex composition seen in "high art," and for good reason. Peckham's mentor and art instructor, Ethan Allen Greenwood, wrote that he sold him classical art prints for reference, circa 1809. Unfortunately, Peckham's scene paintings are incredibly scarce, compared to the quantity and quality of his portraits, which remain his best-known artistic output.
  
  In my opinion, the quirks of technique, composition, and subject matter seen here all bring Peckham to mind. I came to this conclusion myself when I first viewed this painting, and took the time to consult with two experts on Peckham's work. Both remain undecided, but agree on the possibility. However, in the absence of a signature or inscription - and due to the rarity of Peckham's scenes - this would be deeply challenging to attribute, much less to prove. Therefore, the best and most reliable judgment I can offer is "Possibly Peckham" or "Manner of Peckham," for now.
  
  The artist - whether it is Peckham or not - has deftly captured a moment of community life in early New England. Historical context might help us infer greater meaning. (For instance, if it was a temperance meeting, that would be grape juice in the drinking glasses!) The work deserves further attention. The figures are simultaneously staged and candid, gathered for some purpose. What was it?
  
  (Esser would like to express thanks to Nick Langhart and Deborah Chotner for their excellent insights on this essay.)

  Condition

  Good, lined, scattered retouch, craquelure.
  
  The absence of a condition report does not imply an object is free of defects. All items may have normal signs of age and wear commensurate with their age; these issues will likely not be mentioned in the condition report. Please contact Eldred's before the auction with any condition questions. Questions about condition will not be answered after purchase. Condition reports are provided as a courtesy, and we are not responsible for any errors or omissions. Important note on frames: Frames are not guaranteed to be in the same condition as they are in the item photograph. Due to handling and shipping, many frames, especially antique ones, are prone to losses. If you have questions about the condition of a frame, please contact us prior to the auction. 
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