The Portraits of John Dooley and of his Wife, Sarah and Daughter Sarah Evelyn
History
Mr. Dooley Treatment
Photographs
Mrs. Dooley Treatment
Photographs
History of the Paintings
In the 1980s, __ convent closed and two paintings that had reportedly belonged to former .. Dooley, were given to Maymont, the home of Sister… brother, …
The paintings were placed into storage until 2014, when they were brought to Richmond Conservation Studio for evaluation and treatment. After taking a series of photographs in different lighting, several inscriptions were found in the painting, confirming the identity of the sitter, James Dooley.
There was so much grime on the surface, the inscriptions could only be read through infrared reflectography. In the lower right corner, there are a couple of books, some letters, and an inscription on the desk. Through the photos we were able to decipher them. Starting with the top letters, the writing was just scribbles. The book directly underneath is titled “LIFE OF/AND JACKSON”. The book beneath this, on its side is titled, “HISTORY/ OF/ IRELAND”. And lastly, the stamped letter below this is inscribed “John Dooley” with a New York stamp.
Before Treatment Photograph, Infrared Reflectography, Detail of Letters and Books
Below the stamped letter was the artist’s inscription, “P Baumgras/ Richmond VA/ 1859”.