Object ID	N0254.1961
Title	Child in Blue with Dog
Artist	Prior, William Matthew
Object Name	Painting
Early Date	1848
Exhibit label line3	William Matthew Prior was one of the most complex and influential 19th-century portrait painters. He was a follower of the religious leader William Miller (who prophesied the end of the world in 1843) and was an ardent opponent of the institution of slavery in the United States. Prior also claimed to have clairvoyant powers that allowed him to paint portraits of departed persons he had never seen. He is best known today for the development of a price scale whereby one could buy a large quickly painted, inexpensive portrait, or a more carefully painted example for more money. Prior's influence on other artists was extensive; he led the Prior-Hamblin school, a group of portrait painters bound by family ties and partnerships, who painted in his style.
Description	Marks: On reverse, in the center, upside down, is "76 WILLIAM MATTHEW.PRIOR (S&D)/Little Child with Big Dog/1848. Oil on canvas, 35 1/4" x 29"/This portrait, signed and dated by Prior, is a classic example of the high style of that middle class painter. (CNO 25/Prior and his school)"
Classification	Folk Art--Painting/Drawing--Portrait--Human
Dimensions	H-36 W-29 inches
Material	Oil on canvas
Place of Origin	New England (probably)

Prior written permission is required for any reproduction, redistribution, publication, or other use of the images in any media, including but not limited to, printed or electronic media. Contact the Office of the Registrar, New York State Historical Association, PO Box 800, Cooperstown, NY 13326, (607) 547-1444, to request permission.    
Last modified on: November 04, 2005