George Demetrescu Mirea (1852–1934) was a prominent Romanian painter, muralist, and educator. Born in Câmpulung, Romania, he studied at the Bucharest School of Fine Arts under Theodor Aman before receiving a scholarship to study in Paris. At the École des Beaux-Arts, he was influenced by the academic style of Alexandre Cabanel, which emphasized classical subjects and technical mastery. Mirea’s refined portraiture and historical scenes would later reflect this rigorous training.
Upon returning to Romania, Mirea quickly gained recognition for his portraits, particularly of Romanian aristocrats and royalty. His portrait of Queen Elisabeth of Romania is one of his most admired works. In addition to portraiture, Mirea was renowned for his large-scale murals, including those at the Romanian Athenaeum and the National Bank of Romania, which combined classical influences with Romanian history and folklore.
Mirea also made significant contributions as a professor at the Bucharest National University of Arts, where he mentored several generations of artists. His commitment to academic art left a lasting impact on Romania’s art scene. Despite the rise of modernist movements, Mirea remained devoted to classical principles, solidifying his legacy as a key figure in Romanian art.