This is a rare work by female Swiss artist
AMELIE MUNIER-ROMILLY (Swiss, 1788-1875). Watercolor and gouache on paper with hints of charcoal. Portrait depicts
ADRIAN GEORG ISELIN (Scottish/American, 1818-1905), a well-known financier and businessman. His wife, Eleanora O'Donnell Iselin (Mrs. Adrian Iselin), was the subject of one of John Singer Sargent's most famous paintings. Work is circa 1850 give or take a few years as the handsome Mr. Iselin appears to be approximately 30 years old. There is an old verso French label that identifies the artist and sitter. There is also a newer verso inscription at lower center that likely identifies the location where the painting hung in perhaps the former Iselin residence.
Sitter biography (from the Century Association in NYC):
Though born in Scotland [sic:he was born in Manhattan], his parents were of Franco-Swiss extraction, and he was brought to this country in youth by his father, who was the American representative of large silk interests in Switzerland and in France. Adrian Iselin founded the banking house which still bears his name, and was also extensively interested in coal mines, railway companies, and financial institutions. He was actively connected with works of beneficence and education in this city, was an incorporator of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Museum of Natural History, and the Zoölogical Society. He was a member of most of the prominent clubs in New York, but his personal interests were largely centred in New Rochelle, where he had his home for many years, and where he expended largely of money and pains for the welfare and enjoyment of the people. He was particularly generous in his gifts to the Roman Catholic Church, of which his wife was a member, and for his special benefactions to the Italians of his home town received the cordial thanks of Pope Pius X. He was passionately fond of horticulture, and justly proud of his greenhouses and his superb collection of chrysanthemums. Of quiet and somewhat reserved manner, Mr. Iselin was of peculiarly kindly and courteous disposition, and leaves many pleasant memories among our older members.
Approximate dimensions: Framed: 13 1/4" x 15 1/4"; Sight: 7" x 9 1/2".
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