Ralph E. Clarkson Papers

Born in Amesbury, Massachusetts on August 3, 1861, artist and educator Ralph Elmer Clarkson played an important role in the development of Chicago’s artistic establishment at the turn of the 19th century. After several years working in New York, Paris and Italy, Clarkson settled in Chicago in 1896. While living in Chicago, Clarkson taught painting at the School of the Art Institute and was the president of several notable arts organizations including the Chicago Society of Artists, the Art Commission of Chicago, and the Art Commission of the state of Illinois. Clarkson was also active in the Cliff Dwellers club, the Illinois Athletic Club and the Eagle’s Nest Camp. This collection sketches a broad view of the career of Ralph E. Clarkson (1861–1942), including photographs, printed materials, manuscripts and correspondence. Highlights include photographs of many of Clarkson’s artworks, clippings relating to the life of Lorado Taft, Clarkson’s colleague, and letters regarding his works and other social matters. View finding aid. Collection access:Collections may be accessed in the Franke Reading Room of the Research Center at The Art Institute of Chicago, by appointment only. For further information, consult the FAQ. Finding aids by subjectBrowse all finding aidsBrowse images and mediaOral histories Contact the Ryerson and Burnham Art and Architecture Archives:archives@artic.edu