JACOB COX

b. 1810- d. 1892 / American

Jacob Cox was an American landscape and portrait painter based out of Indianapolis, Indiana. From an early age, Cox was discouraged from pursuing his passion in the arts and was instead encouraged to engage in a practical trade. He opened a stove, tinware and coppersmith store and even dabbled in politics before he decided to pursue a career as an artist. He was presented with the opportunity of painting a banner for William Henry Harrison’s presidential campaign which was one of the things that jump started his career. After that he began painting portraits which he became very well known for. Later on, he started to exhibit annually at Cincinnati Art Union’s shows. By the 1860’s he was able to devote all of his time to his art.

​​Cox’s painting can be found in a variety of public collections including Indianapolis Museum of Art, Morris-Butler House, Indiana Landmarks, Indiana State Museum and Benjamin Harrison Home.