George M. Ottinger facts for kids
George Martin Ottinger (1833–1917) was an important artist, teacher, and actor in Utah Territory during the 1800s. He is remembered for his paintings, his work with the fire department, and his role in shaping the arts in Utah.
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Early Life and Adventures
George Ottinger was born in Pennsylvania and grew up in New York City. He was raised as a Quaker. When he was 17, in 1850, he joined a whaling ship crew. By the time he was 20, he had traveled all the way around the world! He even spent time looking for gold in California.
After his adventures, George decided to study art. He learned from a famous artist named Robert Walter Weir and also attended the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. For a couple of years, he painted tiny, detailed pictures called miniatures. He also worked as a photograph tinter (adding color to black-and-white photos) and even sold fruit!
Moving to Utah
In 1857, George Ottinger went back to Pennsylvania to continue his art studies. In 1858, he joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, following his mother's advice. He worked as an artist in Virginia before moving to Utah Territory in 1861.
In Utah, he teamed up with a photographer named Charles Roscoe Savage. There wasn't much demand for their art in Salt Lake City at first. So, they traveled to Idaho Territory for a while, taking photos. George also painted backgrounds for plays at the Salt Lake Theatre and even acted in them! In 1863, he became the principal of the Deseret Academy of Arts, which he ran with Savage.
Family Life
In 1861, George Ottinger married Mary Jane McAllister Cullin. They had one child together before she passed away. In 1864, he married Phoebe Neslen.
Art and Murals
George Ottinger was a very creative artist. In 1867, he started a series of paintings about the Spanish conquest of the Americas. One famous painting from this series is "The Last of the Aztecs."
In 1879, Ottinger traveled to Europe with Charles Roscoe Savage to learn more about art. When he returned, he painted large murals inside the St. George, Logan, and Manti Temples. These murals are big paintings on walls or ceilings.
Community Leader and Teacher
George Ottinger was also a leader in his community. From 1876 to 1890, he was the head of the Salt Lake fire department. He helped change it from a group of volunteers to a paid, professional organization in 1883.
He also taught art at the University of Deseret from 1881 to 1892. He was a very important teacher who inspired many future artists in Utah.
Ottinger was also part of the Nauvoo Legion, a local military group. In 1894, he became the Adjutant General of Utah. In this role, he helped organize the Utah National Guard, which is a part of the United States armed forces.
Images for kids
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The Last of the Aztecs
