Skip to main contentBiographyNelson Cook was born in 1817 to a family of furniture makers who lived in Saratoga Springs, New York. One of nine children, he was apprenticed to his older brother Ransom, a mechanic, manufacturer, and furniture maker, in the 1820s; it was probably through this experience that he became interested and skilled in painting and stenciling. In about 1832, Cook moved to Canada, where he worked as a painter and business agent. He settled in Toronto and painted from prints, and his skill in these subjects began to earn him more and more portrait commissions. After marrying and having children, Cook and his family moved back to upstate New York, painting portraits for wealthy clients in Rochester, Saratoga, Rome, and other cities. He died in Saratoga Springs in 1892.
Cook was a well-regarded painter who also dabbled in poetry and politics. He was heavily inspired and influenced by classical painters like Titian as well as his contemporaries like Benjamin West. Most of his work is in private collections.
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Nelson Cook
American, 1817 - 1892
Cook was a well-regarded painter who also dabbled in poetry and politics. He was heavily inspired and influenced by classical painters like Titian as well as his contemporaries like Benjamin West. Most of his work is in private collections.
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