Marcus Mote (Ohio/Indiana, 1817-1898) oil on canvas painting, "Girl's School During Recess," depicting the interior of a classroom, with young ladies engaged in various acts of mischief. Housed in a later ebonized frame. Titled en verso with additional inscription, "The Alarm! The Teacher's Coming! Painted by Marcus Mote __ 27, 1882 from a picture sent to Ida E. Peltz from Germany." Canvas - 26" H x 42" W. Framed - 32" H x 47" W. Biography: Marcus Mote was born in Miami County, Ohio, the son of a Quaker farmer and cabinetmaker. He was raised in a strict Quaker household where art was not encouraged. In spite of this, he chose art as his career, eventually becoming a self-taught painter of miniature portraits, landscapes, panoramas, biblical scenes and ornamental works. He was also a pen artist, engraver, daguerreotypist. In 1864 he moved his family to Richmond, Indiana, where he opened a School of Design, teaching drawing and painting and advocating for these subjects to be taught in public schools. (Source: the Indiana Historical Society). Provenance: by descent from Louise Whisenhunt, former director of the Art Association of Richmond, Indiana.

Painting is in need of restoration. 3" repaired tear and 3/4" tear lower left quadrant; two 2" repaired tears lower right quadrant; 2 other small tears center right across child's chest; other scattered losses, scratches and exfoliation, particularly around edges. Frame is later and in good condition.