George Samartzis was born in Corfu in 1868 and received his first art lessons at the age of fourteen by Vikentios Boccheciampe and Angelos Giallina.

In 1888 he won a grant to study at The Royal Institute of Fine Art, Naples under Domenico Morelli and Vincenzo Marinelli. He completed his studies a year and a half later, being awarded a first prize award and a silver medal.

He is best known for his portrait paintings and beautiful atmospheric landscapes where he excelled. Additionally he produced considerable religious work in several churches in Corfu. His religious work is considered to be of the highest standard amongst his contemporaries. He was the director of The Corfu School of Art.

His works are found in many private and public collections such as: The National Gallery, Athens, National Gallery, Corfu, Municipal Gallery, Corfu, Achilleion, Corfu, University of Athens, Koutlides Collection and Leventis Gallery.