George Smith (English artist)

Smith depicted the rural and pastoral scenery of Sussex and other parts of England in a pleasing but idealistic manner, based on the study of Claude Lorrain and Nicolas Poussin, which appealed to the taste of the day, and he was throughout his life a much-admired artist.

George Smith was also a good performer on the Cello and wrote poetry; in 1770 he printed a volume of "Pastorals" of which a second edition, accompanied by a memoir of him, was issued by his daughters in 1811.

His work can be found in the Yale Center for British Art (Paul Mellon Collection) in the USA; Goodwood House, Sussex, England;[3] Fitzwilliam Museum[4] Cambridge; Tate Gallery and the V&A, London.

John Smith (1717–1764), younger brother of George, was his pupil, and painted landscapes of a similar character; the two frequently worked on the same canvas.

On his return to London he painted fruit and flowers with success until his health gave way, when he retired to Shopwyke, near Chichester.