Portrait of "Bube" Hannah Sandusky

Object number2007.45.1

Datec. 1930

MediumOil on canvas; Wood; Metal

Credit LineGift of Robert Raphael

DescriptionFramed oil on canvas painting. Bust portrait of an older woman with dark hair, wearing a black top, white collar, and black head piece. The wood frame is painted gold with gesso ornamentation on front.Dimensions37 x 32 x 2.75 in. (94 x 81.3 x 7 cm)
SignedSignature is faded/obscured in the proper lower left corner; possibly reads "H.A. Broderick"
InscriptionsBottom front of painting has metal plaque with "BUBE'" HANNAH SANDUSKY (1827-1913).
Historical NotesThis painting was donated by Robert Raphael, great-grandson of Hannah "Bubbe" Sandusky. Hannah was a revered Jewish midwife and personality in Pittsburgh's HIll District. She was born in Kovno, Lithuania and was trained there as a midwife (her mother was also a midwife.) Hannah came to Pittsburgh with her husband Louis in 1861 and until 1909, she presided at over 3,500 births. The painting was commissioned by Hannah's grandson Ralph Schugar; he wanted to be an undertaker, and Hannah encouraged him, so he had the painting done. It hung in his funeral home (Schugar Funeral Home, Pittsburgh) until c. 1992 when donor Robert Raphael acquired it.

Related person Hannah Sandusky (1827 - 1913)

Previous owner Schugar Funeral Home

Previous owner Ralph Schugar

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