1940s vintage original oil painting portrait beautiful girl w/ flowered dress & happy smile

Here's a beautiful original oil on canvas board, 1940s vintage. It's unframed, and measures 23 1/2" x 18" overall.

We know nothing about the artist (this is signed H. Durkee) or the sitter, but there must be a good story behind this piece, she looks so happy! We love her very period hair and dress, too.

This piece came directly out of a small town estate, mother and daughter sold together, about 90 years of history. We believe this was probably a piece from the mother's estate, she lived most of her life on a small farm near Marengo Illinois. We don't know her name, and know only that her daughter ended up with many of her things.

We're not art experts, and can't describe the condition of this piece in professional terms. It's probably not 'art' in the true sense anyway, just a beautiful picture with some wear and age to it. Please see our photos, and email us if you have any further questions.