 Ruth A. (Pratt) Bobbs (1884-1973)
Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on September 3, 1884, Ruth Pratt began painting at an early age. Her mentor, William Merritt Chase, heavily influenced the young artist, which can be seen by her us of a dark color palette, and soft, curvy lines.
She traveled to France where she was one of the first women to study at the prestigious Academie Julian in Paris. She then returned to Indianapolis to marry William C. Bobbs, president of Bobbs-Merrill Publishing Company. They were married on April 17, 1912; he was 23 years her senior and she was his second wife.
She kept a studio and gallery in Indianapolis for many years where she mainly painted portraits of local citizens, entrepreneurs, and government leaders. She died in Indianapolis in January of 1973.
Biography courtesy of the Swope Art Museum, Terre Haute, Indiana.
Submitted by Edward Bentley
|