Portrait of Rogersville, Tennessee founding father Joseph Rogers (1764-1833) by William Harrison Scarborough (TN/SC, 1812-1871), oil on canvas, circa 1831. Rogers is depicted late in life, seated at a table and gazing directly at the viewer. He is attired in a brightly striped coat, with his right hand resting on a document, with a partial book and quill pen, and a bookshelf and a red drape in the background. This painting is featured in the book ART & FURNITURE OF EAST TENNESSEE by Namuni Hale Young, page 73. Housed in a later cove molded dark wood frame. Sight: 29 1/2" H x 24 1/4" W. Framed: 37 1/2" H x 32 1/2" W. Note: This portrait and its pendant date from 1833, which makes them the earliest known W.H. Scarborough paintings. A photocopy of an original artist-signed, handwritten receipt associated with this painting and/or its pendant is included at the end of the photograph sequence. The receipt reads: "Received of Joseph Rogers fifty dollars / in full of all debts / July 23rd 1833 / W.H. Scarborough." History: Joseph Rogers was born in County Tyrone, Ireland in 1764. He immigrated to the United States in 1781 at the age of 17 and by 1784, was living in Hawkins County in the home of Thomas Amis. Rogers married Thomas Amis's daughter, Mary, in 1786, and Mr. Amis gave the couple a tract of land in 1787, upon which a seat of justice was established for Hawkins County. In 1789, the town of Rogersville was chartered, and named after Joseph Rogers. Rogers was a prominent member of the community, working as a merchant, innkeeper, and justice of the peace. He died in 1833 and was buried in Rogersville. (Source: ART & FURNITURE OF EAST TENNESSEE)

PROVENANCE: By direct descent through the Rogers and Walker families. See other related lots from this historic family, also in this auction. 

PROVENANCE:  

Professionally conserved. Removed from the original stretchers, relined, and laid down on board. A copy of the conservator's examination and recommended treatment report is available to the winning bidder. 6 1/4" x 1/2" horizontal repair band with inpainting across bridge of nose and left cheek and left shoulder. Minor vertical area of retouching to forehead, 4" L. Frame abrasions with retouching to edges, especially upper, lower, and right. Scattered, pinpoint retouches throughout, especially upper right quadrant. Pinpoint black inclusion to left of button. Faint stretcher marks to left, right, and upper edges. Refer to UV photos for additional reference.