Description:Young girl, appr0ximate age 3, seated in an elaborate red-striped upholstered chair. She wears a light blue ruffled dress, cameo locket, white socks, and black shoes. Her legs are extended forward and crossed at the ankle. Her light auburn/blonde hair is parted in the middle. Her blue-eyed gaze is direct and intense. A ring is on her right index finger. In the background a window view reveals a summer meandering river scene.
History:"Janie Hine." is painted prominently at the bottom center of the canvas. Owner has letter dated August 6, 2002 from Mrs. Edwin T. Merrick III of New Orleans that substantiates the provenance of the work to say that Janie Hine was a daughter of Mary Bennett, a descendant of the Polk family through James K. Polk's sister. Subject was born April 18, 1879 and died February 5, 1882. Portrait may have been painted posthumously.
