M. Lord tavern and shop sign
Parsonsfield, Maine, 1825
White pine, original painted decoration, original wrought iron hangers, 50 x 28 ½ x 2 inches
Inscribed in paint on each side: “1825” and “M. LORD”

The inscription on this sign refers to Morris Lord, who was born in Effingham, New Hampshire, February 29, 1794, and died in Lowell, Massachusetts September 25, 1849. Morris Lord was a successful merchant and trader in Parsonsfield, Maine, with substantial properties there including a store. In 1825, he mortgaged his store and undoubtedly commissioned this particular sign to attract more trade. Morris Lord was the son of George Lord (1764-1811) and Patience Hobbs (1769-1816). 

This sign is extraordinary for the highly abstract style of the rendering of this portrait and remarkable state of preservation. The distinctive style of this portrait draws a strong comparison to the work of two elusive folk portrait painters who were active in Maine and New Hampshire during this period, namely A. Ellis and The Carver Limner. The manner in which the eyebrow and nose are painted with a single continuous line is a technique linked to Ellis; while the pose, costume, and delineation of the hair are very much in line with the work of The Carver Limner.