Lot 83: John Greenwood (Massachusetts, 1727-1792 Portrait of Thomas Child (1730-1787). Signed and dated "J.G. pinxt 1750," c.l. Oil on canvas,

John Greenwood (Massachusetts, 1727-1792

Portrait of Thomas Child (1730-1787). Signed and dated "J.G. pinxt 1750," c.l. Oil on canvas, 36 x 28 in., in a period black and gold-painted, molded and carved wood frame with gold-painted liner. Condition: Relined, retouch, small paint loss l.r., stable craquelure, likely cleaned and varnished.

Provenance: Family descent.

Note: According to Hale/Child family history Thomas Child was born in 1730 in Boston, the son of Thomas and Susanna (Hatch) Child (see lot 84 for a portrait of his father, Thomas Child). He lived in the family home on Essex Street in Boston until around 1765, when he migrated north to Falmouth (now Portland), Maine. In 1765 he was appointed Tide Surveyor, and later in 1769 he entered into government service in the Custom House in where he continued until his death, first as Landwaitor, then as Naval Officer under the government of Maine. He also officiated as the first postmaster of Portland. He married Mary Freeman, the daughter of Enoch Freeman, one of the most prominent men in town, and together they had five children.