Early 19th century portrait of a gentleman. American, circa 1840. Both the sitter and the artist are unknown to us, but the artist was clearly very well schooled; the work is similar to that of Thomas Sully. Later frame. Oil on canvas, pine stretcher. Canvas bears the stamp of Edward Dechaux / New York, a preparer of artists' canvases. As found original estate condition. Canvas is 25 by 30 inches; frame is 30 by 35.5 inches.