John O’Brien Inman (American, 1828–1896), Tranquil Lakeside Landscape, 19th Century, Oil on Wood

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Description

A serene and exquisitely rendered 19th-century oil painting by American artist John O’Brien Inman, a noted landscape painter and son … Read more A serene and exquisitely rendered 19th-century oil painting by American artist John O’Brien Inman, a noted landscape painter and son of the prominent portraitist Henry Inman. This finely detailed composition depicts a thatched-roof farmhouse nestled along a peaceful shoreline, with a woman walking a winding path, cattle resting in the grass, and sailboats drifting on the distant lake — all set beneath a luminous, cloud-dappled sky.

Executed with precision and warmth, the scene captures the gentle romanticism and natural observation characteristic of the Hudson River School, though the architecture and pastoral setting suggest a European locale. Inman lived and painted in Europe from 1866 to 1878, and this landscape may well date from that period, reflecting his exposure to continental scenery and shifting artistic sensibilities.

The painting is signed J.O.B. Inman at lower right and housed in an ornate period frame with deeply carved floral detail and a handsome brass picture light mounted at top.

John O’Brien Inman’s work is represented in the permanent collections of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Gallery of Art, affirming his stature among notable 19th-century American painters.

Dimensions:
• Framed: 20” H × 16.5” W × 2.5” D
• Sight: 10.5” H × 7.5” W

Condition: Minor craquelure consistent with age; surface is stable and vibrant. Minor paint loss at edge; small chip to wood at lower left corner (see photo). Aged exhibition label on verso references a different artist and title (D.F. Hasbrouck, “A Sultry Day”) — likely indicating the frame was repurposed or misattributed at some point. The painting itself is confidently signed by Inman and is stylistically consistent with his known body of work.

A charming and collectible example of 19th-century American landscape painting — ideal for traditional interiors, gallery walls, or collectors of early American and transatlantic art. See less