STRIKING 19TH-CENTURY CHROMOLITHOGRAPHIC PORTRAIT OF WASHINGTON, IN A HANDSOME OVAL GILT FRAME
MIDDLETON, E.C. Framed chromolithographic portrait. Cincinnati: E.C. Middleton, 1864. Paper on canvas, oval image measures 13-1/2 by 16-1/2 inches; handsomely framed, entire piece measures 19 by 22 inches.
Mid-19th-century chromolithographic portrait of Washington, laid on canvas, in a contemporary gilt frame.
Cincinnati engraver Elijah C. Middleton used a unique method of lithography—printing on canvas-backed paper in oil-based inks—to produce color images of unusually high quality that were still affordable. Starting around 1861, his portraits—often of figures such as George and Martha Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Daniel Webster or General Grant—were prized not just locally, but even drew the attention of East Coast markets and competitors.
Portrait clean and fine; early frame with expert restoration. A beautiful piece.