George Mears (British, Active 1860–1895) Portrait of the Steamship "Rouen", 1888

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George Mears (British, active 1860–1895)
Portrait of the Steamship "Rouen", 1888
Oil on canvas, signed and dated lower right
Canvas: … Read more George Mears (British, active 1860–1895)
Portrait of the Steamship "Rouen", 1888
Oil on canvas, signed and dated lower right
Canvas: 26" w x 16.25" h
Frame: 31.5" w x 21.75" h

A crisply rendered ship portrait of the French packet steamer Rouen, by the British maritime painter George Mears. Set against a luminous sky and softly rolling Channel waters, the painting captures the sleek black-hulled vessel underway, flying a French flag from the foremast and a red ensign at the stern. The ship’s name “ROUEN” appears clearly on the central masthead pennant. The vessel is depicted with accurate detail: twin funnels issuing coal smoke, lifeboats stowed, and decks lined with passengers. In the foreground, a small two-figure skiff crosses the bow, while to the left and right are additional sailboats—establishing the busy maritime traffic of the late 19th-century English Channel.

Signed and dated G. Mears / 1888 in red script at lower right, the work exemplifies Mears’s precise handling of line and atmosphere, with subtle use of cloud and wave to provide context while keeping focus on the steamer itself. The canvas remains in its original or period ornate giltwood frame with shell and acanthus leaf cartouches at the corners and a floral guilloché band.

George Mears is known for his technically accurate and visually appealing portraits of commercial and passenger steamships—many of them commissioned works—often bearing flags and funnel colors specific to British and French maritime companies. His works are in private collections and are occasionally seen at major maritime sales, including those at Bonhams and Christie's. The Rouen depicted here likely belonged to a cross-Channel line serving Normandy from the British coast—perhaps the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway or a French equivalent operating the Dieppe–Newhaven route.

Measurements: 31.5" w x 21.75" h (frame), 26" w x 16.25" h (canvas)

Verso has an attached worksheet order from the Child's Gallery for restoration done in 1999. See less