Ellie Wheeler Painting, signed and dated 1851

The painting below (click for enlargement) is signed by Ellie Wheeler, an amateur Philadelphia painter, and daughter of renowned artist Thomas Sully. It is dated 1851. 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. A very similar painting by J.L.G. Ferris is dated c. 1900-1920.