July 14 & 15, 2020 Fine & Decorative Arts
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/14/2020
Tilyard was born in Baltimore, Maryland, the son of a glazier and sign painter. He learned journeyman painting from his father, and in 1814 began painting portraits. After a brief career operating a dry goods store, he returned to painting in 1822 and received commissions to paint several prestigious citizens of Baltimore. He died from insanity before he realized his potential, and critics now think he was one of the more talented early 19th century portrait painters. Ambrose Marechal (1764 - 1828), the subject of this portrait was a French cleric who emigrated to Baltimore during the French Revolution. His career took him to several missions in St. Mary's County and teaching in Baltimore and Georgetown College in Washington D.C. He was appointed Archbishop of Baltimore in 1817 and remained in that position until his death in 1828. During his tenure, he oversaw the completion of the Baltimore Basilica, the first Catholic cathedral built in the United States. In this portrait Marechal is shown in the vestments of an Archbishop. This portrait was a gift to the Maryland Historical Society from Sarah Kennedy Boone Jenkins (d. circa 1955) and descended from her great-grandfather, William Jenkins (1767 - 1843) of Oak Hill. The painting was de-accessioned from the Maryland Historical Society. CONDITION:Relined, two repairs with patches on reverse.
Item Dimensions: Frame: 33 - 3/4" x 28 - 3/4".
Artist
ATTRIBUTED TO PHILIP TILYARD (AMERICAN, 1785 - 1830).
Title
PORTRAIT THE MOST REVEREND AMBROSE MARECHAL, ARCHBISHOP OF BALTIMORE.