Paintings Worth Looking At

​​Upcoming at Eldred's this week (Nov 20-21, 2025) are three lots I've had the privilege of writing essays for: portraits by Samuel P. Howes, Jonas Welch Holman, and William Matthew Prior. The Howes and Holman are from my own collection, personally identified. You can read the lot essays on this page, or on the various online auction platforms. While it's challenging to part with any newfound treasures, they're ready for new homes.  - - - - Both auctions will begin at 9:30 EST, but keep in mind: Session II (Nov 20, 2025) starts at #5301, so #5438B and C - the Holmans and the Howes - will be about 137 lots into the auction, a little over two hours. I promise they are well worth the wait! And Session III (Nov 21, 2025) starts at #5601, so #5603 - the Prior - is up right away. Good luck to all!

This story starts with an entirely different painting, by an entirely different artist. It arrives at the right answer despite itself. - - - PART I. THE MIX-UP - - - I first encountered this charming double portrait on an online auction site, allegedly sold as the work of Deacon Robert Peckham. It’s a lovely folk depiction of children in an interior, which, in all fairness, was Peckham’s specialty. As is typical for the style and era, they’re bright, alert, and look like they know too much. Notably, the props include a chapbook (a small printed pamphlet book for children) and a rose.