Elizabeth G. Jerome was born in New Haven, Connecticut on December 18, 1824 to Hezekiah and Rebecca Gilbert. By 1851 Elizabeth was studying with artist Julius T. Busch in Hartford, Connecticut as well as in New York at the National Academy of design and the Springley Institute. For a time she was also a student of Emanuel Leutz.

In 1856 the artist married Benjamin Jerome. The couple settled in Hartford, in close proximity to fellow artist Frederick Church's residence. in the years 1866-1875 Elizabeth exhibited at the National Academy of Design. An 1869 Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts show included a work by Jerome.

Following the death of one of her daughters Jerome ceased to paint. At the time of her death in 1910 Jerome was, once again, residing in New Haven.

In the Andes is a major work by this important early woman artist. It is also evident that she was influenced by her neighbor and Hartford compatriot, Frederick Church's South American paintings. One could speculate that he assisted in painting In the Andes. Even the beautiful 8 inch wide orientalist motif frame still on the painting owes a debt to Church. This style molding is frequently referred to as a "Church" frame.

Biography courtesy of Roughton Galleries, www.antiquesandfineart.com/roughton