Dennis, Edgar - self portrait?

This miniature portrait is by a previously unrecorded American artist, Edgar Dennis. It may well be a self portrait, as it has that kind of appearance about it, where extra attention is paid to the detail, compared to portraits painted for commercial purposes.

On the reverse there is an outline of a man's head and a signature in pencil, "Painted by Edgar Dennis, NL, Ct." where NL stands for New London, Connecticut. The miniature is relatively large at 110mm x 90mm.

While somewhat primitive in style, the composition and brushwork are excellent. The shading is very cleverly done, especially on his clothing and on his face. Few miniatures from any country have such detailed backgrounds.

A kind visitor has assisted with the following information.
Edgar Dennis appears to have been born on 12 August 1823 at New London Township. There is no record of a marriage and he died on 12 April 1852 at the age of 28. He was the son of Henry Dennis (1788-1870) and his wife Sarah Sally Briggs) (1792-1870), who were married on 2 June 1807 in New London and had a number of children. 1441