A Penman’s Portrait Prevails In Kaminski Auction – Antiques And The Arts Weekly

BEVERLY, MASS. — “Portrait of George Dallas of St Martins” (1634-1701), an oil on canvas depicting a notable legal mind of the Seventeenth Century by G.A. Seavinci, rose to $4,063 above a $400/600 estimate at Kaminski’s February 18 auction of selected items from the 1920s historic estate known as “Wayside” in Bedford Corners, Mount Kisco, N.Y., and other collections. Signed verso “Copy of portrait in Signet Library of Edinburgh Scotland of George Dallas of St Martins by G.A. Seavinci 1932,” the 37-by-28-inch likeness came out of a Washington DC collection.

George Dallas, the youngest son of William Dallas, began his apprenticeship to the law in 1652, studying with John Bayn of Pitcairlie, Fifeshire, and became a writer to the signet. When Charles II returned in 1660, the privy seal of Scotland was conferred upon John, marquis of Atholl, who appointed Dallas deputy-keeper. Dallas is known to be the author of A System of Stiles, which was written between 1666 and 1688, though not published until 1697. It became the go-to primer in the office of every Scottish lawyer.

This sale was a hybrid onsite auction in Mount Kisco and Kaminski’s gallery in Beverly. A further review will discuss additional highlights.