Edwin White Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Edwin White Art Value Price Guide

Jan. 28, 2023
EDWIN D. WHITE OIL PORTRAIT, "SAM," 1860
Est: $3,000 - $3,400
Edwin D. White (American, 1817-1877) oil on canvas painting titled "Sam," depicting an African American man, seated on wooden steps leading to a door, with a broom and tattered coat behind him and a pottery water pitcher standing to his side. He wears a top hat, brown overcoat and scarf, and sits with his folded hands resting on his bent knee. Behind him is a wall with peeling paint and the corner of a window. Signed left center "Edwin White" and dated 1860; old script note en verso states the title of the painting and artist with additional note "New York University." Later giltwood frame with husk, leaf and berry moldings. Sight - 11"H x 9 1/2"W. Frame - 16"H x 14"W. Note: This comparatively intimate portrait was done by White, a renowned painter of large format historical subjects, on the eve of the Civil War shortly after he returned to New York from several years in Europe. White had studied in Dusseldorf with Karl Friedrich Lessing and in Paris with Francois Edouard Picot, and was already admired for his paintings "The Signing of the Mayflower Compact," "Pocahontas Informing John Smith of the Conspiracy of the Indians" and "Washington Resigning his Commission." Born in Massachusetts, White had begun painting at the age of 12 and studied with portraitist Philip Hewins and with John Rubens Smith at the National Academy of Design. By 1860, health problems had forced him to return to the U.S., where he set up a studio at New York University. This portrait of a man, imbued with a countenance of dignity despite his shabby surroundings, may have been intended to bolster support for the Union cause. Not long its completion, he began work on another, larger scale painting that would become his most famous depiction of that turbulent time: "Major Anderson Raising the Flag on the Morning of His Taking Possession of Fort Sumter, Dec. 27, 1860". White went on to teach at the National Academy of Design and returned to Europe and visited the Middle East in the 1870s; he died in 1877 in New York after a long bout with poor health, and said by a friend to have been crushed by criticism of his paintings exhibited at the Academy in 1876. (Sources: The Johnson Collection; The Archives of Maryland Biographical Series).
Case Antiques, Inc. Auctions & Appraisals
Nov. 22, 2022
Edwin White (American 1817–1877), Portrait of a Man and a Woman, Two Oils on Panel, Framed in the Oval, 15 1/4 x 13 1/4 in. (38.74 x 33.66 cm.)
Est: $300 - $500
Edwin White (American 1817–1877), Portrait of a Man and a Woman, Two Oils on Panel, Framed in the Oval, Dated April 1851 on verso,
Weschler's
Jun. 14, 2020
Edwin White (American, 1817–1877), , The Signing of the Compact in the Cabin of the Mayflower
Est: $10,000 - $15,000
Edwin White (American, 1817–1877) The Signing of the Compact in the Cabin of the Mayflower Signed, located and dated 'Edwin White/New York/1856' bottom center left, oil on canvas 30 x 60 in. (76.2 x 152.4cm) Executed in 1856-1857. provenance: Private Collection, Virginia. NOTE: Although he was born in Western Massachusetts in 1817, Edwin White received most of his training education in Düsseldorf, where he learned to adopt Carl Wilhelm Hübner's (1814-1879) refined and ultra-detailed technique. White had already made a name for himself in the United States, excelling in both genre subjects and portraits. While in Europe however, the artist struggled to obtain any commissions and a year before he started completing the present work, he confessed to his friend Sanford Gifford (1823-1880), that his return to America was imminent. Once in New York, White surprisingly did not resume his portrait commissions, but instead worked on an ambitious history subject: The Compact of the Mayflower. Written and signed by the male passengers of the Mayflower on November 11, 1620 shortly after their ship mistakenly anchored off Provincetown Harbor (an unexpected storm forced the Pilgrims to settle north of where English authorities had authorized them to anchor), the Mayflower Compact bound its signers to a temporary, self-proclaimed body politic, with the future goal of forming a more formal government, respectful of everyone's religious beliefs. Here, White choses to depict the exact moment when the Pilgrims join in prayer, all led by William Brewster (1568-1644), a Moses-like figure who stands at the table holding the document they are about to sign. Sunlight streams into the cabin dramatically from the skylight and onto the Compact as Brewster extends his left arm upward with an open palm. Even though only men signed the document, White distills a sense of unified community, showing several families and even placing some mothers in the foreground. The Signing of the Compact in the Cabin of the Mayflower quickly became famous and crowned White as one of the most talented artists of his generation. "There are very few among the Düsseldorf pictures, which deal with this class of subjects that are not unpleasantly exaggerated and melodramatic." said the editor of Harper's Magazine in 1856-57. He continued: "Lessing's Huss at the Council and the Stake are both liable to this objection, fine as they are. Leutze's Washington Crossing the Delaware and Departure of Columbus both fail in this respect (…) It is very difficult, indeed, to mass a group of figures engaged in some common action without making it strained and stiff, or unduly exaggerating the chief figure. Mr. White has felicitously eluded this snare. His picture has all the simplicity of reality. It is rich and affluent in detail; the light happily falls through the hatchway full upon the face of Elder Brewster and upon the Contract, which is the center of interest. The likenesses are good, the costumes accurate, and the whole is full of repose and feeling (…) It is to be engraved and is quite as worthy that honor as many of the pictures which have recently become so popular through that means." The Signing of the Compact in the Cabin of the Mayflower marked the start of a new career for Edwin White, who successfully sold it off his easel for $1,000. According to the Harper's still, "the gentleman who was fortunate enough to buy it, bought one of the best works ever painted in this country." Discovering in himself a talent for historical pieces, White returned to Paris two years later, where he started working on another big project, Washington Resigning his Commission. A decade later, White executed a larger (partly unfinished) copy of the present work, now in the collection of the Yale University Art Gallery, which also owns more than twenty preparatory sketches for the painting. The Signing of the Compact in the Cabin of the Mayflower later became the basis for a 5-cent stamp issued in 1920 for the Pilgrim Tercentenary.
Freeman's | Hindman
Nov. 22, 2019
Edwin White (VA/NC), Perfect for Each Other Large Sculpture
Est: $25 - $25,000
Edwin White (VA/NC), Perfect for Each Other Large Sculpture 2013, welded sheet iron with reticulated details and a faded red to black painted surface, weld signed and dated on base plate. 71 x 29 x 12.5 in. The Estate of the late Richard L. and Sandra H. Ihly, Pittsboro, North Carolina Additional high-resolution photos are available at LelandLittle.com
Leland Little Auctions
Oct. 17, 2019
Edwin D. White (American, 1817-1877) Betsy Chapin in Third Floor Ballroom
Est: $2,000 - $4,000
Edwin D. White (American, 1817-1877) Betsy Chapin in Third Floor Ballroom oil on canvas signed Edwin White (lower left) 21 ¼ x 17 ¼ inches.
Hindman
Sep. 15, 2019
Painting, Edwin D. White
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
Edwin D. White (American, 1817-1877), "Raphael in His Studio," 1863, oil on canvas, signed and dated lower left, title placard affixed lower center, canvas: 41"h x 55"w, overall (with frame): 53.5"h x 66"w
Clars Auctions
Sep. 09, 2018
Dianna Effner Porcelain Doll 'Snow White' Edwin
Est: -
M.Khowles, With Tag
R & R Auction INC
Jun. 25, 2017
Edwin White (1817-1877)
Est: $100 - $200
Two Scenes - England, c. 1870, Ink on Paper, Two Images - 9" x 5 1/2" and 7" x 6", NA, Framed. Mild mat burn.
James Cox Gallery
Feb. 22, 2015
EDWIN WHITE (American, 1817-1877) Christopher Columbus
Est: $250 - $350
EDWIN WHITE (American, 1817-1877) Christopher Columbus Oil on board 4-1/2 x 6 inches (11.4 x 15.2 cm) Initialed lower left: EW THE JEAN AND GRAHAM DEVOE WILLIFORD CHARITABLE TRUST
Heritage Auctions
Sep. 14, 2014
EDWIN WHITE (American, 1817-1877) Christopher Columbus
Est: $500 - $700
EDWIN WHITE (American, 1817-1877) Christopher Columbus Oil on board 4-1/2 x 6 inches (11.4 x 15.2 cm) Initialed lower left: EW THE JEAN AND GRAHAM DEVOE WILLIFORD CHARITABLE TRUST
Heritage Auctions
Mar. 30, 2012
Edwin D. White (American 1817-1877), Woman Knitting by a Window, oil on canvs, 17 x 21 in
Est: $700 - $900
Edwin D. White (American 1817-1877) Woman Knitting by a Window Signed Edwin White, located N.Y. and dated 1862 l.r.; also inscribed A 1632 on verso Oil on canvas 17 x 21 in (43.2 x 53.3 cm)Property from a Virginia Collection
Weschler's
Aug. 28, 2008
EDWIN D. WHITE (American 1817-1877)
Est: $2,750 - $3,500
EDWIN D. WHITE (American, 1817-1877) THE ARTIST. Oil on panel interior scene shows a woman artist seated with pallet and brush in hand painting a portrait of a girl in a blue dress. The canvas is set on a wood easel and the interior of the room is set with red curtain, carpet and sculpture. Signed "Edwin White 1863". Housed in a fine gesso decorated frame with white liner. SIZE: Sight: 19" x 15-1/2". CONDITION: Masking varnish, consolidation to the paint in the artist's canvas portrait. Otherwise very good. 9-94032 (2,750-3,500)
James D. Julia
Sep. 09, 2007
EDWIN D. WHITE (AMERICAN NY 1817-1877)
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
EDWIN D. WHITE (AMERICAN, NY 1817-1877) Oil on canvas mounted on board. Female artist painting a portrait. Signed, dated 1863 lower center. 21 x 17."
Stamford Auction
Aug. 29, 2007
EDWIN D. WHITE (American 1817-1877) PORTRAIT
Est: $20,000 - $40,000
EDWIN D. WHITE (American 1817-1877) PORTRAIT OF AARON BURR FENTON AND SARAH ANN FENTON. Large oil on canvas portrait of a young girl and boy. The girl is standing with one arm around the boy and the boy's arm is around the waist of his sister. The boy holds a large brimmed hat in the other hand. He rests his hand on a wood pedestal draped with a red cloth. Beside the girl is a Hudson River landscape scene. Housed in a fine period gesso decorated frame. The painting is circa 1845 and is of the Aaron Burr lineage. The portrait was originally purchased in Prescott City, CT and research indicates that there are a number of portraits residing at the Holley Williams House of the Salisbury Association, Lakeville, CT. FAMILY LINEAGE: Children are grandchildren are Aaron Burr Sturgis (1771-1834, Fairfield, CT). Aaron Burr Sturgis was son of Seth Sturgis and Mary Burr; Aaron B. Sturgis married Selma Hill Workman, they had five daughters and four sons. The sitters of Paeston City, CT circa 1835-40 were two children born 1828 and 1832 of Sarah Sturgis and Solomon Fenton. Written on back of canvas "E. White Pinx 98 E. Broadway, N.Y.". Small part of a Knoedler & Co. label on reverse. SIZE: 36" x 29". CONDITION: Very good, very minor touch ups, professionally cleaned and two small canvas patches to reverse. 9-74855 FP
James D. Julia
Jun. 22, 2007
ATTRIBUTED TO EDWIN D. WHITE, (AMERICAN 1817-1877), "CAPTIVE CAVALIER"
Est: $800 - $1,200
ATTRIBUTED TO EDWIN D. WHITE (american 1817-1877) "CAPTIVE CAVALIER" Oil on canvas 10 x 8 in.
Freeman's
Jan. 26, 2005
EDWIN WHITE (American, 1817-1877) PORTRAIT OF MRS. HIGLEY, CANAAN, CONN
Est: $200 - $400
Pencil drawing mounted on paper with title, artist name and date "August 1848". Pencil sketch shows an elderly woman as noted, being 100 years old, seated in a chair. Detailed face with line sketch elsewhere. Housed in a pine ogee frame.
James D. Julia
Aug. 26, 2004
EDWIN D. WHITE (American, 1817-1877) PORTRAIT OF A YOUNG WOMAN
Est: $650 - $850
Oil on paper mounted on light board shows a side view of a blonde young girl wearing red earrings against a light gray background. Signed lower left "EW". Unframed. On the back is written in old pen "Presented by the artist Edwin White, Florence".
James D. Julia
Apr. 17, 2004
EDWIN D. WHITE (American, 1817-1877) PORTRAIT OF A YOUNG WOMAN
Est: $650 - $850
Oil on paper mounted on light board shows a side view of a blonde young girl wearing red earrings against a light gray background. Signed lower left "EW" . Unframed. On the back is written in old pen "Presented by the artist Edwin White, Florence" .
James D. Julia
Apr. 17, 2004
EDWIN D. WHITE (American, 1817-1877) "FIRST NEW ENGLAND THANKSGIVING"
Est: $650 - $850
Small oil on canvas or oil on paper laid on canvas. Scene shows several people with standing minister at pulpit with open book. Signed lower left "EW" . Housed in a good carved wood gilt frame with name tag "Edwin White N.A." . Old label to back indicating artist, title and "Emory Collection Boston, Mass" .
James D. Julia
Feb. 28, 2004
PAIR OF OIL ON PAPER
Est: $1,500 - $1,800
PAIR OF OIL ON PAPER- EARLY RUSTIC INTERIORS, SPARSELY FURNISHED, ONE INITIALED 'E.W.' (EDWIN WHITE, NY, 1817-1877), SIGNED AND TITLED UNDER MATS, DATED 1857. DEPICT 'A ROOM IN AN OLD HOTEL, VERMONT' & 'OLD ROOMEY'S KITCHEN, LANEVILLE'. FRAMES:GOLD PAINTED MOLDED, COFFIN MATS, GLAZED, SS: 8" X 12" EACH, OS: 15 1/4" X 19 1/4" EACH
Thomaston Place Auction Galleries