John Bernard Whittaker (1836–1926) American, Oil on Canvas Figural Portrait "Interior of the Butcher". Oil on canvas traditional figural portrait of a seated, somber-faced butcher wearing a white apron, cap, and plaid scarf, resting one hand near a large cut of meat on a butcher's block against a dark, muted background. Signed lower right. Attributed on tag verso. Framed.

Overall Size: 27 x 19 in.
Sight Size: 21 1/2 x 13 1/ 2in.

John Bernard Whittaker (1836–1926) was an Irish-born American painter, illustrator, and art educator known for his genre scenes, portraits, and depictions of domestic life during the late 19th century. After immigrating to the United States, he studied at the National Academy of Design and the Graham Art School in New York, eventually establishing himself in Brooklyn’s active art community. Whittaker’s paintings often explored themes of family, morality, etiquette, and everyday social interactions, reflecting the tastes and storytelling style popular in Victorian-era American art. In addition to exhibiting widely—including dozens of works at the Brooklyn Art Association—he taught at several institutions, including the Graham Art School, the Brooklyn Academy of Design, and Adelphi Academy, where he led the art department until his retirement in 1916. His work remains associated with the sentimental and narrative traditions of turn-of-the-century American genre painting. (barnebys.com)

All items are sold AS IS. Lot and condition details are for descriptive purposes only. Sarasota Estate Auction is not responsible for errors and/or omissions of condition. The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is perfect or free from wear, flaws, or characteristics of age. Please bid according to your own expertise, or request any additional information and/or photographs you deem necessary.