Ellie Wheeler Painting

The painting below (click for enlargement) is signed by Ellie Wheeler. The signature is shown enlarged at right. Beneath the painting on this page is a 3-page document of authenticity prepared by Rayond M. Spiller of Raymond M. Spiller and Associates, Inc., 1025 Westview Street, Philadelphia, PA 19119, in April of 1985. According to that appraisal, Ellie Wheeler was an amateur Philadelphia painter, and daughter of renowned artist Thomas Sully. The appraisal states that the painting is dated 1851.

A similar, and more skillfully executed painting by the renowned artist Jean Leon Gerome Ferris (1863-1930) is dated c. 1900-1920. Starting in the early 20th century, Ferris created a series of commemorative interpretations of early American development called "The Pageant of a Nation." Is the Wheeler a later copy of the Ferris original?

The appraisal below is disputed by art and history experts. Efforts are being made to ascertain the true provenance of this painting.