GEORGE MEARS (BRITISH 1826 - 1906) The paddle steamer P.S. Rouen signed and dated G MEARS / 89 (lower right) oil on canvas 51 x 92 cm (20 x 36 in) PROVENANCE: Belgrave Gallery Ltd, London (by 1974) Acquired from the above by the family of the present owner George Mears, painter of ship portraits, flourished during the late 19th century and specialised in depicting steam and sailing vessels. His accurate portrayal of the details of the boats he painted gained him employment as the official ship's portrait painter to the major cross-channel shipping company, including the highly successful Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O). Mears also received private commissions, notably at the end of the century for the Royal Yachts, Victoria & Albert I & II.