Cooke, G. (George), 1793-1849

George Cooke typified the ambitious American painter of the early nineteenth century. He began his artistic career as a self-taught itinerant painter in northern Virginia; in 1826 he went to Europe. His exposure to the old masters of the Renaissance and baroque periods encouraged him to try his hand at history painting and landscapes while continuing to derive his livelihood from portraiture. His best-known painting is, "Interior of St. Peters Rome," in the Chapel of the University of Georgia.

From the description of Cooke, George passport and sketchbook, 1828-1831. (University of Georgia). WorldCat record id: 270992926