"Orientalist Marketplace"

Circa 1865 marketplace painting by the American artist, George Washington Nicholson. Signed lower left. Oil paint on wooden panel. Condition is good. Slight separation of paint mainly in the sky and background areas. The painting was most likely done in the 1860’s when the artist was known to have been in Egypt and Europe. In a period gold frame in very good condition. Overall framed measurements are 21 by 17 inches.

George Washington Nicholson was born in Salem County, New Jersey in 1832 and died in Hammonton, New Jersey in 1912. He spent much of his life without recognition. Recently there has been new interest in his work. Many of his paintings, fine examples of American art, have not been located; the artist had a penchant for giving them away. Fortunately, however, he signed and dated most of his paintings.

He painted historical scenes, landscape and an occasional still life. In France, he studied with Isabey, who may have influenced his landscape technique. His landscapes were regularly exhibited at the Haseltine Art Galleries. Nicholson also exhibited at the N.A.D, A.I.C and P.A.F.A.

Although he lived and worked quietly, Nicholson had admirers. The art dealer Deschonde visited him on a regular basis purchasing paintings for his museum in Chester, Penn.