George Esten Cooke: A Life in Art Born: March 14, 1793, St. Mary's County, Maryland Died: March 26, 1849, New Orleans, Louisiana Known For: Primarily portraits and landscapes of the American South; notable for his large-scale historical painting, "Interior of St. Peter’s Rome." Early Life and Artistic Development George Esten Cooke's early life was marked by a series of unsuccessful business ventures before he dedicated himself to art. Initially self-taught, he honed his skills by copying existing portraits. Around 1819–20, he studied under Charles Bird King in Washington, D.C., ga…