George Thompson Hobbs (American 1849 – 1929)

  • December 30, 2021 09:59

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Whitewater Stream: OOB, 9.75 x 6.75 inches/Signed lower left

George Thompson Hobbs was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of architect Isaac H. Hobbs. Like his father, he became an architect and in 1871 his father’s firm had changed its name to Isaac H. Hobbs & Son. However, that was not to be his destiny. Circa 1878 Hobbs began study at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia. In 1882, Hobbs, with Philadelphians James L. Claghorn, Joseph W. Bates, William S. Stewart, Samuel Sloan, took steps to revive the old Philadelphia Art Union, which been inactive for some years due to the antigambling law that had taken effect and making the Union’s lottery system of disposing of art illegal. 19th century artist George Thompson Hobbs was appointed acting secretary. The years 1883 through 1885 were spent in Paris, France at the Académie Julian studying with William-Adolph Bouguereau and Robert Fleury. When he returned to Philadelphia, he brought many of his paintings with him, and almost immediately began receiving commissions for paintings. 1887 was year he finally gave up architecture for painting. A strong advocate of American art and artists, in 1891 Hobbs lead a group of artists who sought to have the existing tariff law repealed, claiming “that the present ad valorum duty so discriminates against the encouragement of American art and native artists that there is practically no school of the former and the latter are unable to make even a living with the brush.” He further stated that “[A]rt in this country,” is in a bad way, and the only remedy is the abolition of the ad valorem and the substitution of a specific duty on pictures. Our artists—the young men as yet without name and fame, I mean—are unable to compete with the foreign picture manufacturers, who have flooded the country with their rubbishy productions.” Hobbs was a member of the Philadelphia Art Club (Union) and the Philadelphia Sketch Club. He exhibited at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (1876-80, 1884, 1887, 1897, 1921); J. E. McClees and Son’s (Philadelphia, 1878); National Academy of Design (1889-1890); Tennessee Exhibition (Nashville, 1897); and the Delphine in the East Gloucester art colony (1904).

High auction record for this artist is $11,850.

Call now to talk about your interest in this George Thompson Hobbs painting: 724-459-0612.

Jerry Hawk, Bedford Fine Art Gallery


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Bedford Fine Art Gallery

Welcome to Bedford Fine Art Gallery. Located in historic Bedford, Pennsylvania, the gallery offers a wide variety of works from some of the greatest and most well-known 19th century artists, early 20th century artists, and contemporary realism artists. You can see all of our available 19th century artwork on our Gallery page. Our current inventory boasts a wide diversity of subject matter from landscape, marine, still life, genre, American historical/political, sporting art, and animal themes. Our gallery features both American and European 19th century painters such as John Henry Dolph, George Hetzel, William Bromley III, and Barton Stone Hays, to name a few. To see more of our 19th century artists, please visit our Artists page. Good art is timeless and only you know what "wows" you. You know it when you see it and we hope you make that connection with a stunning painting from Bedford Fine Art Gallery. Thank you.

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