ALPHAEUS PHILOMON COLE PORTRAIT OF A YOUNG BOY

Absolutely wonderful impressionist painting of a 5 year old boy in a sailor suit in front of a flowering bush and a purple iris. "Portrait of Thomas Richmond". By 20th c. American artist Alphaeus Philomon Cole (1876-1988). Oil on canvas. Signed Alphaeus P. Cole 1921.Obituary of the artist attached to reverse.Provenance inscribed on reverse by a family member identifies the sitter as Tom Richmond, who was 5 years old at the time of the portrait. Cole later painted another portrait of Richmond after his return from the military circa 1946. Mounted in custom carved frame.Measures 18" x 14 1/4".Framed size 22 1/2" x 19".This painting is in exceptionally fine original condition and appears to have never been damaged, cleaned or restored. The painting is stilled sealed with paper on the back of frame.All this painting needs is a gentle clean and the true beauty of the vibrant colors will be fully revealed.