Lot 458: Jerome Thompson (American, 1814-1886) The Old Man

Jerome Thompson (American, 1814-1886) The Old Man of the Mountains, New Hampshire signed lower right with initials "JT '78" oil on panel 17 x 17cm Provenance: Private collection, Cambridgeshire High above the Franconia Notch gateway to northern New Hampshire there is an Old Man, made of stone. He is one of the most remarkable wonders of the mountain world. The profile of the Old Man is composed of Conway red granite and is an illusion. It is formed by five ledges, that when lined up correctly give the appearance of an old man with an easterly gaze, clearly distinct and visible from only a very small space near Profile Lake. When viewed from other locations in Franconia Notch, the same five ledges have a very rough and ragged appearance, and there is no suggestion of the Old Man's face.