This charming mid-19th-century watercolour by British artist John George Indermaur (1818-1862) depicts four children, a chaise lounge, and footstool. It was shown at the Royal Society of British Artists in 1847.
Smartly attired in their finest and fanciest dresses, each of the four siblings is posed to convey an attribute of their evolving personalities. The eldest, dressed in mourning wear, lovingly supports a baby, which reaches out towards a parent. A seated girl, wearing pink, white and cream, holds an open book to demonstrate her literacy. While the younger child holds a stick attached to a ball.
This endearing image is captured in a gentle rendering of watercolours heightened with white. It’s an accomplished portrayal and a fine example of family portraiture from the period.
John George Indermaur was predominantly known for genre painting and portraiture. He exhibited several works at the Royal Academy during the 1840s before moving to the South West. Born in London, his father, also John George, was a maker of fortepianos, the precursor to the modern grand. Artistry and craft were prevalent in the family.
Little is known of his training but his Academy debut arrived in 1842 with ‘Lorenzo and Jessica - Merchant of Venice’. This was followed by ‘The Love Letter’ in 1843, and ‘The Discovery’ two years’ later. His final exhibition piece, a portrait of ‘Miss Tyrrell’, was shown in 1847 before he moved to Exeter and began working for Great Western Railway. It’s unclear whether he continued to work as an artist beyond this point.
During the 1850s, he raised a family together with his wife, Mary - living in Bath and ultimately Bruton, Somerset, where he became a station master.
Held within its original gilt frame.
Learn more about John George Indermaur in our directory.
Medium: Watercolour on paper
Overall size: 26½” x 32½” / 67cm x 83cm
Year of creation: 1847
Labels & Inscriptions: Inscribed with exhibition details on the reverse. J Jeffries framer’s label.
Provenance: Private collection, England.
Exhibited: London, Royal Society of British Artists,1847, no. 640.
Condition: Assessed and approved by our conservator. Minor discolouration. Frame restored in areas but age-related wear still apparent.
Our reference: BRV1532
