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Content Pickett Chamberlain

Creator: Ruth (Aunt Ruth) Henshaw Miles Bascom
Offered by: David A. Schorsch - Eileen M. Smiles Fine Americana

Description
RUTH HENSHAW BASCOM (1772-1848)
Content Pickett Chamberlain
Bernardston, Massachusetts, 1837
Pastel on paper, 19 x 14 inches, in original veneered frame
Signed and dated on verso: “Sketched February 1837 by Mrs. R. H. Bascom.”

Content Pickett Chamberlain was born on January 10, 1788, in Greenfield, Massachusetts to Samuel Pickett (1760–1841) and Mary Corse (1764–1838). She married Elizur Chamberlain (1787–1857) on October 11, 1807, with whom she had one child, Mary M. Chamberlain (1808–1878). Elizur is recorded as a shoemaker in the 1850 and 1855 census data, employed in the footwear industry excluding rubber products. Content passed away on June 27, 1861, at the age of seventy-three and is interred in Center Cemetery in Bernardston, Massachusetts.

In her renowned journal, held in the collections of the American Antiquarian Society, painter Ruth Henshaw Bascom makes numerous references to members of the Chamberlain and Pickett families. Bascom commenced work on Content Pickett Chamberlain’s portrait on January 26, 1837, during a particularly cold day, noting, “Miss M. Chamberlain spent the evening here — began Mrs. Chamberlain.” She recorded further progress on February 7, describing the weather as “warm, calm, and misty,” and remarked, “painted on Mrs. Chamberlain.”

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Period:	19th Century
Creation Date:	1837
Styles / Movements:	Other
Incollect Reference #:	815647

Dimensions

W.	14 in;	H.	19 in;
W.	35.56 cm;	H.	48.26 cm;

Message from Seller:

David A. Schorsch and Eileen M. Smiles are nationally recognized dealers in American antiques and folk art, specializing in weathervanes, folk paintings, Shaker furniture, and more. With over forty years of experience, they offer expert services in private and corporate collections, authentication, and auction representation—contact them today at 203.263.3131 or via email at contact@schorsch-smiles.com.