WHITAKER, John, (American, 1836-1926): "Lady of Substance", Oil/ Canvas, 10" x 8", signed in right margin, fine contemporary pierce carved and gilded gesso frame, 18.5" x 16.75". Whitaker and his family left Ireland because of the famine and rebellion and ended up in Brooklyn in 1848. His father was an artist and gave him instruction before he began studying formally at different schools including the Graham Art School in Brooklyn. Eventually Whitaker became a teacher there. Whitaker replaced Ferdinand T. Lee Boyle as head of the art department at the Adelphi Academy and remained until his retirement at the age of 80. Throughout his life he was very active in the art community and was among the group who promoted the creation of an Art Museum for Brooklyn. He is known for his genre, portrait and figure paintings.

Needs cleaning, very mild craquelure, small touch of inpaint under her chin, frame shows minor wear, sold as is.