Lot 497: John Ramsier (American/Kentucky, 1861-1936) and

John Ramsier (American/Kentucky, 1861-1936) and American School, 19th c., "A Pair of Miniature Portraits of Little Boys in Sailor Suits", watercolors, portrait of John Dudley Winston, Jr. signed "J. Ramsier" lower right; TOGETHER WITH portrait of Joseph Bond Winston signed illegibly lower right and dated "1912" en verso, each inscribed en verso, "For Dad, On My Fifth Birthday, John Dudley Winston, Jr." and "For Daddy, From Joseph Bond Winston, Aug. 29, 1912," sight 3 in. x 2 1/2 in., in gold plate pendants, housed in a fitted leather case (3 pieces) Unfortunately, a fire destroyed all of their equipment. At this point, Ramsier decided to change career paths and began concentrating on miniature painting. He became a well-known artist, attracting clients from all over the country and even painting some international customers. It is estimated that he completed over three thousand likenesses throughout his career. Note: John Ramsier was a naturalized American citizen of Swiss ancestry. After moving to the United States in 1883, he worked in several photographic firms in New Albany, Indiana, and Louisville, before setting up his own photography shop with his partner, W. A. Johnson in 1893