Famous American Artist John O'Brien Inman (1828-1896) O/C Antique 1864 Portrait

Up for sale is a rare and historically important original antique oil painting on canvas, created in 1864 by listed American artist John O’Brien Inman (1828–1896). The painting depicts a sensitively rendered portrait of a seated baby, showcasing Inman’s technical finesse, delicate brushwork, and 19th-century American portraiture style.

Inscription on verso:
"Painted by Jho. O'B Inman, Portlana, Jan 18th, 64"

This intimate portrait is a superb representation of Inman’s early American works, combining formality and warmth in a tender domestic scene. It is housed in an ornate antique gilded frame, adding further value and elegance.

Details:

• Artist: John O'Brien Inman (1828–1896)

• Title: Portrait of Seated Baby

• Date: January 18, 1864

• Medium: Oil on canvas

• Signature: Signed and inscribed on verso

• Style: 19th-century American portraiture

• Frame: Ornate vintage gilded wood frame

Measurements:

• Framed: 41" W x 34.5" H

• Canvas (Sight Size): 30" W x 25" H

Condition:
Painting is in good antique condition with stable craquelures consistent with age. Frame shows typical scuffs and light surface wear. Please view all photographs as they are part of the description.

About the Artist – John O’Brien Inman (1828–1896):

John O’Brien Inman was a prominent 19th-century American painter known for his skillful portraits, still lifes, and genre scenes. He was born in New York City and was the son of Henry Inman (1801–1846), a celebrated portraitist and founding figure in early American art. John O’Brien Inman trained under his father and inherited his commitment to classical technique and narrative depth.

• Professional Affiliations:
  Inman was a founding member and the first Vice President of the National Academy of Design in New York. He began exhibiting in 1853 and continued to build a strong reputation in the New York art scene.

• Career in Europe:
  In 1866, Inman relocated to Europe, dividing his time between Rome, London, and Paris. He opened studios in Rome and painted a wide range of sentimental genre scenes, historical costume portraits, and landscapes, many of which reflect the influence of European academic traditions. During his European years, he painted scenes of Lake Lucerne, the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi, and Perugia.

• Return to America:
  After returning to the U.S. in 1878, Inman painted one of his most recognized works, a moonlit Central Park ice skating scene, which remains notable for its large scale and evocative atmosphere. He later returned to England briefly before settling along the Hudson River.

• Legacy & Museums:
  Despite dying in relative poverty in 1896, Inman's works are held in major U.S. institutions, including:

  • National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.

  • Smithsonian American Art Museum

  • Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC

  • Brooklyn Museum

  • Museum of the City of New York

  • Princeton University Art Museum

  • Eskenazi Museum of Art (Indiana University)

His art is admired for its blend of American narrative realism and refined European influence, especially in his post-1860s works.

Please Note:
Colors may vary slightly due to lighting, camera quality, and screen settings.
We sell vintage and antique items, which may show signs of age, use, or handling.
Please review all photos carefully and feel free to ask any questions before purchasing.

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