Portrait of John Plimmer
Artist
McMaster, James
Date
1900
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Object Detail
Description
James McMaster was born in Ballymena in Ireland in 1862. He practised in London and was a member of the Royal Irish Academy. He likely arrived in New Zealand in 1899. It appears that he was suffering from lung disease and hoped that his visit to New Zealand would improve his health. He originally intended to stay for a year, but remained in Wellington another five years until his death in 1904.
In 1900 McMaster was advertising himself as a portrait artist in Wellington. He was also a art teacher and tutor. As the stream of portrait commissions increased, however, he was forced to close his teaching academy.
The Portrait of John Plimmer was a commission.It was presented to Plimmer on his 88th birthday, by Premier Richard Seddon, at a ceremony presided over by the Mayor. Seddon called Plimmer 'the Father of Wellington' and hoped that when he passed away the painting would be in a prominent position so future citizens would remember someone who had done so much for Wellington.
When James McMcMaster died in Wellington in December 1904 the writer of his obituary drew particular attention to the Plimmer portrait stating: "Among the more noted of the late Mr. McMaster's works in New Zealand was a portrait of Mr. John Plimmer, presented to that gentleman on his 88th birthday which is considered a most life-like picture."
In 1900 McMaster was advertising himself as a portrait artist in Wellington. He was also a art teacher and tutor. As the stream of portrait commissions increased, however, he was forced to close his teaching academy.
The Portrait of John Plimmer was a commission.It was presented to Plimmer on his 88th birthday, by Premier Richard Seddon, at a ceremony presided over by the Mayor. Seddon called Plimmer 'the Father of Wellington' and hoped that when he passed away the painting would be in a prominent position so future citizens would remember someone who had done so much for Wellington.
When James McMcMaster died in Wellington in December 1904 the writer of his obituary drew particular attention to the Plimmer portrait stating: "Among the more noted of the late Mr. McMaster's works in New Zealand was a portrait of Mr. John Plimmer, presented to that gentleman on his 88th birthday which is considered a most life-like picture."
Media
Oil on canvas
Measurements
hxw 1427 x 1020
framed: 1780 x 1370 x 90 approx
framed: 1780 x 1370 x 90 approx
Registration number
ART00014
Artist
Subject auto tags
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