Pastel on laid paper, unsigned, retaining label to verso, presented in a period giltwood frame below glass.

Sheet size 10 x 8 in. Frame dimensions 15 1/8 x 12 1/8 in.

The Estate of the late Dr. Larry Southworth, Fredericksburg, Virginia

Purchased from Mrs. Wilkins Sanders, whose husband descended from the Tabbs of Gloucester County, Virginia.

Acquired Motley's Auction, Richmond, Virginia.

The Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts, Winston Salem, North Carolina, recorded data and photographs of this painting in 1975, under reference number S-5041. It was examined by Bradford L. Rauschenberg, Frank L. Horton, and Ann W. Dibble.

The subject, Hester Van Bibber (1800-1823), lived at the “North End,” North River, Gloucester County, Virginia. She was the brother of Albert Van Bibber and married Dr. Henry Wythe Tabb. She died in childbirth at age 23.

The son and student of James Sharples, Felix Sharples left England with his family in 1794. They arrived in New York, where James Sharples started working, and by 1797, the family was living in Philadelphia. In 1811, James Shaprles died, and his wife and two of the children returned to England. However, Felix remained in the United States to work as a pastel portrait artist until his death at age 44. He resided in Virginia and North Carolina from 1806 to at least 1824.

Between 1808 and 1811, Felix Sharples had executed pastels in Norfolk, Suffolk, and many of the Tidewater counties. As security for money borrowed, he left a large collection of pastels by himself and other members of his family, which formed the core of the Sharples Collection in Independence Hall. His original painting of James Monroe is in the National Portrait Gallery.

A loss at the right upper edge, minor fleabites, toning and damp staining to the sheet, not laid down.