George Whiting Flagg

Flagg was born on June 26, 1816 in New Haven, Connecticut. He was one of seven children born to New Haven mayor Henry Collins Flagg and Martha (née Whiting) Flagg. Both Flagg brothers studied painting under their uncle, Washington Allston.[3]

Through his sister Rachel and her first husband Abraham, he was the uncle of Alice Claypoole Gwynne, who married Cornelius Vanderbilt II in 1867.[4] Through his brother Jared, he was the uncle of Beaux-Arts architect Ernest Flagg.[5]

Lady Jane Grey Preparing for Execution (1835) in The Henry Luce II Center for the Study of American Culture, New York.

George Whiting Flagg's early work included Boy Listening to a Ghost Story, A Young Greek, and Jacob and Rachel at the Well.[2]

A painting entitled the Murder of the Princes, from Richard Ill, procured Flagg the patronage of Luman Reed, a merchant and businessman from New York City, through whose aid he spent three years studying in Europe, and afterward lived for six years in London.[2]

Another of George Flagg's early paintings, Lady Jane Grey Preparing for Execution, was to make him famous. His fame quickly waned, however, as historical painting became progressively less fashionable.[2]

Among his best known works should be mentioned Landing of the Pilgrims; Landing of the Atlantic Cable; Washington Receiving his Mother's Blessing, which has been frequently engraved; The Good Samaritan; and Columbus and the Egg (1867). George Flagg's The Match Girl, Haidee, and The Scarlet Letter were painted while he was living in London.[2]

In 1851, George Whiting Flagg was elected to be a member of the National Academy of Design.[6]

On February 14, 1849, Flagg was married to Louisa Henriques. Together they were the parents of four children, including:[2]

• George Allston Flagg (1849–1942), who married Thirza Mahalia Kisby (1853–1930).
• Emanuel Henriques Flagg (1855–1936), who married Ella Martha Beegle (1858–1931) in 1885.

Flagg died on January 5, 1897 in Nantucket, Massachusetts.[1]