Caroline L Ormes Ransom (American, 1838-1910) oil on canvas portrait painting, possibly posthumous, depicting a young male child with blond hair and blue eyes attired in a blue and white lace dress, standing by a rail and surrounded by blooming morning glory flowers, all against a black background. Signed in red lower left "C. L. Ransom" and dated "1867". Housed in a carved giltwood frame. Sight: 26 1/2" H x 21 1/2" W. Framed: 32 3/8" H x 27 1/4" W. Biography: Caroline Ransom was a portrait painter born in Newark, Ohio. She began her art education in New York, taught by A. B. Durand, Thomas Hicks, and Donald Huntington in landscapes, figure painting, and portraits. She then studied 2 years with Wilhelm von Kaulkoch in Munich. Ransom returned to America in 1860, setting up a studio in Cleveland. Her specialty was portraits, and her subjects included Col. Charles W. Whittlesey first president of the Western Reserve Historical Society, Gen. James. B. McPherson; Benjamin Franklin Wade, lawyer and statesman; and General James A. Garfield in military dress. In 1867, Congress allowed $1,000 for a portrait of Joshua R. Giddings, and in 1875, $15,000 for one of Gen. George H. Thomas. Both likenesses were hung in the Capitol in Washington. In 1876, Ransom was unanimously elected an honorary member of the Army of the Cumberland, the only woman so honored. She was also a founder of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She moved to Washington, D.C., in 1884, combining her studio and living quarters so she could paint constantly. Ransom also founded the Classical Society and was its leader for 15 years. (source: Encylopedia of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University).

Scattered exfoliation to the left, upper and right sides of the portrait, minor losses above the white flower in child's hand. Old patch en verso to left side of child's head. Frame with later added gilt paint.