Although she has very little track record at auction, the American portraitist Cecile de Wentworth (1853-1933) had a notable roster of sitters during her lifetime. Née Cecile Smith, she painted presidents William Taft and Theodore Roosevelt as well as Queen Alexandra of England, General Pershing and even Pope Leo XIII.
A work by the artist will make a rare appearance on the market at Grand Auctions of Folkestone on July 1 where a portrait of a lady, signed and dated 1903, will be offered with a £2000-3000 estimate. The 4ft x 3ft (1.22m x 92cm) oil on canvas has come to auction from a vendor whose late wife acquired it many years ago.
The sitter has yet to be identified.