George Whiting Flagg

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 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). Flagg's The Match Girl, Haidee, and The Scarlet Letter were painted while he was living in London.^[2]

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

Later in life, Flagg studied theology and entered the ministry, but eventually he returned to painting, mainly portraiture, during his declining years.^[2]

Flagg lived his later years at his home located at 12 Westminster Street, on the island of Nantucket in Massachusetts, until his death in 1897. He painted in a small studio next to this home. Above the fireplace in the upstairs bedroom, Flagg kept his work known as "He That Maketh Haste To Be Rich Shall Not Be Innocent".^[7]

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]