Brewer's Art Studio

The Marietta Times, October 21, 1869:

From the Scioto Gazette, Chillicothe. "Our artist friend, Mr. John S. Brewer, the gentleman who has for some time past occupied apartments in the Allen block, as a studio, has brought his stay among us to a termination, and has shaken from his feet the dust of the 'Ancient Metropolis' and gone to that still more ancient burgh, Marietta, for a brief sojourn. Mr. Brewer is a gentleman of polished manners and refined cultivated tastes, an artist of skill and with an intimate knowledge of the manners and customs of the world at large, having spent several years of travel upon the European continent, visiting all places of note and seeking every opportunity of perfecting himself in his profession by a study of the works of the 'old masters,' as they are found in the collections and picture galleries of the old world. We shall miss his genial face and cordial greeting, and can only regret that circumstances have necessitated his removal from among us. We commend him to the acquaintance and friendship of the citizens of Marietta as a gentleman whose acquaintance will be found a pleasant and agreeable one."

Mr. Brewer has taken rooms over the drugstore of Pearce & Triem on "the Island," Front Street. He comes with the best of recommendations, and we take pleasure in presenting him to this community.  

 The Marietta Times, October 28, 1869:

We paid a visit yesterday to the studio of Mr. Brewer, which is directly over the Drug Store of Pearce & Triem. We were greatly interested in the portraits. Those of Judge Safford and Dr. Waddle of Chillicothe, whom we personally know, are admirable as likenesses. Always fond of seeing portraits of remarkable men, our attention was drawn to that of the late Sol. Smith of St. Louis, the author, actor, humorist, and what is strange in such a combination, the steady, straight-forward business man. His countenance proclaims what he was.

Not far from him is a portrait of McKean Buchanan, the actor - a character in his way, but overrated on the stage. The picture of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Vincennes is well finished. Conspicuous is the portrait from life, as are all the rest, of a British sea captain, a genuine salt, with a face as red as Bardolph's and an expression of satisfaction which nothing but beef and brandy could afford him.

In contrast, we have the picture of a French physician, a second Dr. Caius, with the true Gallican grimace and shoulders that almost shrug while you are looking at his likeness. At fifty, his complexion is that of a dull parchment, and he has as many small wrinkles as most men who have gone beyond their rime, the result of unrestrained indulgence in coffee and tobacco. There is a lecture in every line of his face, and as the writer is fond of smoking, he felt an admonition to break his pipe. But who reforms at forty?

There are other portraits in the room - of artists, of businessmen, and also of commonplace creatures who have no more character than a cow pumpkin.

Mr. Brewer has established himself among us, and we hope he will be encouraged as his genius merits. His work must plead for him, however, and so we ask all who feel interested in art to visit his studio. It is worthwhile.

The Marietta Times, November 25, 1869:

Calling at Mr. Brewer's studio over the Island Drug Store one day this week, we noticed the excellent portraits of Colonel John Mills, William F. Curtis and R. M. Stimson, which have just come form his pencil. They are admirable as likenesses, for not only is the countenance accurately mapped out in each picture, but the expression is life-like and natural. It is not often that portraits as good as these are met with, and there are none better. We advise all who are interested in works of art to call at Mr. Brewer's room and look at them. 

The Marietta Times, December 9, 1869:

Our people should see the portraits of Colonel Mills and William F. Curtis at Mr. Brewer's studio over Pearce & Triem's Drug Store. As likenesses, they cannot be bettered. Besides, the artist has shown consummate skill in every detail of the work before him.

We cannot but express the hope that Mr. Brewer will be appreciated and patronized, as he should be, in a community like this. It is seldom that one so thoroughly master of his profession is at the service of those who wish to procure excellent portraits of themselves or of their friends. 

It is folly or nonsense to engage pictures - as some do - by having a photograph taken here, while the work of the painter is done elsewhere. The proverb, Descriptions decide nothing, is absolutely true in respect of persons. To make a good likeness, the artist must see the subject of his pencil, even though casually and but once. Otherwise, the portrait will be weak and unsatisfactory.

The Marietta Times, December 30, 1869:

 Mr. Brewer is now at work on portraits of President Andrews; W. H. Oldham, Esq.; William Warden, of the National House; and Dr. Stout. The pictures, as yet, are unfinished, but sufficient progress has been made to show that they will be good likenesses. 

It is worth the time and trouble to pay a visit to Mr. Brewer's studio over Pearce & Triem's Drug Store, on the Island. We have, heretofore, spoken in decided terms of his merits as an artist, and we could now but repeat what we said then. We do not believe that better work than his can be procured in the large cities, and we are certain that in Cincinnati, pictures greatly inferior to those which he produces, command twice the price he asks for a portrait.

The Marietta Times, January 27, 1870:

Mr. Brewer has finished a crayon portrait of W. H. Oldham which is worth seeing. It is not only a good likeness in that the features of his face are all there, but the vigor and force of expression which he has managed to throw into it make it one of the best pictures we ever saw.

A portrait of Mr. Warden of the National House, done in oil colors, will be recognized at once by anyone that has ever seen him. There are besides, admirable likenesses of other Marietta men - Col. Mills, W. F. Curtis, President Andrews, R. M. Stimson, and N. Fawcett.

Mr. Brewer will stay but a little while longer, and those who wish to have first-rate portraits should now avail themselves of this, the best opportunity they will ever have. No better pictures can be produced anywhere. To satisfy yourself of this, call at his studio, over Pearce & Triem's Drug Store.

*  *  *
Note - John S. Brewer, or John James Scriven Brewer, was born in Canada in 1824, the son of Richard and Ann Scriven Brewer. He died February 22, 1881, in St. Louis, Missouri.