The son of the famous portrait artist and founding member of the National Academy, Henry Inman, John Inman received instruction in his father's studio. Though born in New York, he probably spent part of his childhood, from 1831 to 1834, in his father's country residence in Mount holly, New Jersey. By 1853, he was painting portraits in New York City, after which he spent time working in the south and west.
By 1864, Inman had returned to New York. Two years later he left for Europe, spending twelve years mostly in Paris and Rome. Upon his return in the United States, he again took residence in New York and painted mostly genre subjects derived from his years abroad. he died at the Fordham home for Inurables.
Inman first exhibited at the Academy in 1853, and sent contributions again in 1864, 1865, 1872, and 1886. He also exhibited at the Boston Athenaeum. Inman's obituary in the Academy's council minutes of May 12, 1896, provides some additional insight on his life:
In early life Mr. Inman painted portraits in the western states, subsequently locating in this city where he devoted himself to genre and flower subjects. He spent twelve years in Paris and Rome where his talents won recognition and then returned to New York. Some of his best works represent Roman peasants.
