Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, George H. Langzettel began his career as a wood-engraving illustrator in the 1880's. He then studied at the Yale School of the Fine Arts and received his B.F.A. in 1898. He taught drawing at the Yale School of the Fine Arts from 1894 until his retirement in 1932.

One of his portraits is in the Yale University Art Gallery collection. He was also a violinist in the New Haven Symphony Orchestra.

A founding member of the New Haven Paint & Clay Club*, George Langzettel exhibited his marine paintings and landscapes in both oil and watercolor from 1900 until the 1930's. He was the Club Treasurer for thirty-eight years.