Attributed to Thomas Sully (1783-1872, UK, PA) Portrait of Jacob Schweighauser Otto, early 19th century. Oil painting on canvas portrait of a seated man holding what appears to be a surveying tool. Unsigned. Original carved and gilded frame retains the original makers label of Marinus W. Pike of Philadelphia. Label on verso of Hoddicks Fine Art Store in Buffalo, NY. Marked on verso: 169 College W.E. Otto. Sight size 35″ x 26″, overall 46″ x 37″. Shows craquelure, some in painting and paint loss. Jacob S. Otto (1778-1827) was the son of Dr. Bodo Otto Jr. He graduated from Princeton in 1797 and became a lawyer and merchant in Philadelphia. In 1821 he joined the Holland Land Company, replacing Joseph Ellicott, as principal land agent. Jacob Otto died in 1827 when he contracted pneumonia after officiating the opening of the Eerie Canal. The towns of Otto and East Otto, NY are named after Jacob Otto as is Otto Street in Buffalo, NY. William E. Otto (1864-1950) of Buffalo, NY was the grandson of Jacob S. Otto.
Portrait of Jacob Schweighauser Otto by Thomas Sully, early 19th century, Oil on canvas, original carved and gilded frame.
