Description 

William Matthew Prior with Sturtevant J. Hamblin is recognized as one of the most prolific and influential American folk artists of the 19th century, best known for his portraits and his significant impact on American portraiture. Prior's unique approach to artmaking, including innovative marketing strategies and stylistic techniques, had a profound and long-lasting influence on the history of American portraiture. This influence extended to a group of artists collectively known as the Prior-Hamblin School, comprising relatives like Sturtevant J. Hamblin (Prior's brother-in-law), George G. Hartwell, and William W. Kennedy.

Paintings attributed to the Prior-Hamblin School, including works by Prior and Hamblin, are characterized by a plain-style portraiture with simple forms and minimal detail. This often translates into a naive style, sometimes referred to as "American primitive," featuring simplified, flattened forms lacking the intricate details of light, space, and texture found in technically sophisticated art.
Prior's portraits often feature solemn, pie-faced tots and individuals depicted in stiff poses. However, this simplicity was often offset by vibrant colors and playful patterns, particularly in his portraits of children. A specific hallmark of the Prior-Hamblin School's style, particularly noticeable in the eyes, involves a broad, flattened eye shape with heavy outlining at the top, but not the bottom.
Provenance: Parke Bernet, New York 1970’s