A pencil sketch of a sleeping child,
by Henry Inman, circa 1835.
Set in a carved gilt wood frame.
4 inches high. Frame: 9 3/4 inches high x 8 7/8 inches wide.
Henry Inman (1801-1846), a remarkable artist, was a founder and the first vice
president of the National Academy of Design. After taking instruction in art
from an itinerant drawing master, Inman moved with his parents to New York
City in 1812. Two years later he was apprenticed to the astonishingly talented
and quirky John Wesley Jarvis, at that time at the height of his talents and
fame. An odd couple, Inman learned quickly, soon painting the clothes and background
on all of Jarvis' portraits. They traveled together, to Albany, Boston and
several winters in New Orleans. Inman took over the miniature part of the business,
and Jarvis painted the portraits. In 1822, Inman opened his own studio, taking
on Thomas Seir Cummings. In 1824, they began a 4 year partnership, with Inman
painting the portraits and Cummings the miniatures. With commissions to paint
William Wordsworth and Thomas Macaulay, Inman left for England in 1844, but
his health failed and he died shortly after his return in 1846.
background
on all of Jarvis' portraits. They traveled together, to Albany, Boston and
several winters in New Orleans. Inman took over the miniature part of the business,
and Jarvis painted the portraits. In 1822, Inman opened his own studio, taking
on Thomas Seir Cummings. In 1824, they began a 4 year partnership, with Inman
painting the portraits and Cummings the miniatures. With commissions to paint
William Wordsworth and Thomas Macaulay, Inman left for England in 1844, but
his health failed and he died shortly after his return in 1846.