John O'Keeffe (painter) facts for kids
John O'Keeffe, sometimes spelled O'Keefe (born around 1797 – died April 1838), was an Irish artist. He was known for painting portraits (pictures of people) and other scenes.
About John O'Keeffe
John O'Keeffe was born in Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland. His family was not wealthy. He started painting when he was very young. He first learned to paint by working for a coach painter, someone who painted horse-drawn carriages.
He began by painting backgrounds and scenes for local theaters. Later, he started creating religious paintings for Roman Catholic churches in the area.
In 1831, John O'Keeffe sent two of his paintings to the Royal Hibernian Academy. This was a special art school and gallery in Dublin. The paintings he sent were called Portrait of a Lady and Crucifixion.
Moving to Dublin
In 1834, O'Keeffe moved from Cork to Dublin. He continued to show his portraits and other subject paintings there. Showing paintings in a gallery is called exhibiting.
One of his paintings from this time is called A Sibyl, painted in 1835. You can see it today in the Museum of Cork. In 1837, he also exhibited a painting of Edward Blakeney at the Royal Hibernian Academy. Edward Blakeney was a very important leader in the British army, known as a Field Marshal.
John O'Keeffe's art career was becoming very successful. Sadly, he died in April 1838 while visiting Limerick. He left behind his wife and children.
The Crawford Gallery in Cork has a portrait of Nano Nagle that is believed to have been painted by O'Keeffe. Nano Nagle was a famous Irish woman who started schools for poor children.
