George Rowe Original Antique 19th Century British Schooner Sailboat Coastal Scene Gouache Oil Painting
Original 19th century antique oil painting of Schooners at sunset, by British artist George Rowe, (1796-1864). The oil painting is in excellent original condition and measures approximately 11.25” X 16.1”. In frame, the painting measures approximately 16.9” X 21.5”. The painting is stamped verso with the artist’s estate/artist stamp in black on the canvas: "G. Rowe, London", (the next line is illegible).
George Rowe (1796–1864) – British Lithographer, Watercolorist, and Artist
George Rowe was a distinguished British lithographer, watercolorist, and topographical artist best known for his picturesque landscapes of Cheltenham, Bath, and the English countryside, as well as his detailed depictions of the Australian goldfields during the mid-19th century. His works remain significant both as artistic compositions and as valuable historical records of the landscapes and towns he illustrated.
Early Life and Career in England
Born in 1796, George Rowe spent much of his early career in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, where he became a prominent lithographer. He was deeply involved in the growing popularity of topographical art, which sought to depict landscapes, towns, and estates with both artistic flair and geographical accuracy.
Rowe operated a successful lithographic press and print publishing business in Cheltenham, where he produced and sold finely crafted prints of local landmarks and scenic views. His lithographs were widely collected by the upper and middle classes, who sought visual representations of England’s elegant spas, picturesque countryside, and historic towns.
His work was particularly in demand among tourists visiting Cheltenham, Bath, and other fashionable destinations in the 19th century. Many of his prints showcased grand estates, scenic promenades, and thriving town centers, offering an idealized yet realistic glimpse of England’s cultural and architectural beauty.
Journey to Australia and the Goldfields (1852–1857)
In 1852, at the age of 56, Rowe embarked on a significant journey to Australia, seeking new opportunities during the height of the Victorian Gold Rush. Unlike many who traveled in pursuit of gold itself, Rowe aimed to document the rapidly changing landscapes and settlements of Australia through his art.
Settling in Victoria, he became one of the first artists to extensively sketch and paint the goldfields. His lithographs and watercolors of Ballarat, Bendigo, and other gold mining settlements provide some of the most detailed visual accounts of life in these regions during the 1850s. His works captured:
Bustling mining camps and diggings, showing the daily life of prospectors.
Rapid urbanization, as towns grew from tent cities into established communities.
Dramatic landscapes, including rugged hills and riverbeds where miners toiled.
His Australian works became highly valuable as both historical documents and artistic achievements, preserving an essential visual record of one of the most transformative periods in Australia’s history. Many of his original lithographs are now held in institutions such as the National Library of Australia and the State Library of Victoria.
Return to England and Later Years
After spending several years in Australia, Rowe returned to England in 1857, bringing back sketchbooks and lithographic plates that continued to inform his work. He resumed his artistic career in Cheltenham, continuing to produce landscape scenes, town views, and prints for local and national audiences.
Although less well known today than some of his contemporaries, Rowe’s detailed and evocative lithographs remain important historical and artistic records, especially for those interested in 19th-century England and Australia. His Australian works, in particular, are highly sought after by collectors, historians, and institutions due to their accuracy and charm.
George Rowe passed away in 1864, leaving behind a remarkable body of work that continues to be studied and appreciated for its artistic and documentary value. His legacy endures through museum collections, auction houses, and archives, preserving his unique vision of a world undergoing rapid transformation.
Legacy and Recognition
Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum holds several of his English lithographs.
The National Library of Australia and the State Library of Victoria house his Australian goldfield lithographs.
His works continue to appear in antique print collections and auctions, reflecting their enduring historical importance.
George Rowe
(1796-1864)
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