Norris Brooke

Born October 20, 1847 in Warrenton, Virginia. During 1865–71 studied at the Pennsylvania Academy with Edmund Bonsell and James R. Lambdin; taught at Mount Vernon Institute; Broad Street Military Academy; and Villa Nova College. Holder of the chair of fine arts at the VMI, 1871-1872. Served as American consul in La Rochelle, France, 1877-79. Studied with Léon Bonnat, 1878. Lived in Washington, DC, 1880–1920. Began collecting art for Thomas E. Waggaman, 1882. Was one of the founder-instructors of the Art Students League of Washington, 1884. Visited Holland, Paris, London, and The Hague, 1887 –92. Studied with Emile Carolus-Duran and Benjamin Constant, 1888. Was assistant principal and instructor at the Corcoran School of Art, 1902–17. Served as Chairman of the Medals and Insignia Committee of the President's Inaugural Committee, 1909, 1913. Died April 25, 1920, Warrenton, Va.