Artist

Ralph Albert Blakelock

born New York City 1847-died Elizabethtown, NY 1919
Also known as
  • Ralph Blakelock
  • Ralph A. Blakelock
Born
New York, New York, United States
Died
Elizabethtown, New York, United States
Biography

1864–66, attended Free Academy of New York. Self-taught as an artist. Exhibited at National Academy of Design, New York, 1867–73. 1869–72, traveled alone in the West, spending much time among Indians. Sketches from this trip, enhanced by imagination, became primary source of his imagery. Married Cora Rebecca Bailey in 1877.

Exhibited at National Academy, 1879–88. Received awards from National Academy, 1889, and Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 1892. 1891, first mental breakdown. Desperately poor, could scarcely support his large family. Another breakdown 12 September 1899, the day his ninth child was born; hospitalized in a New York State asylum until 1916. Transferred to New Jersey sanitarium, where he had a studio, 1916–18. During his incarceration, was elected academician of National Academy of Design (1916). Returned to New York asylum, 1918–19. His by-then popular work much forged during these years. Removed by legal guardian to private cottage in Adirondacks, July 1919. Somewhat regained sanity, but died 19 August 1919.

William Kloss Treasures from the National Museum of American Art (Washington, D.C. and London: National Museum of American Art with the Smithsonian Institution Press, 1985)

Works by this artist (136 items)

Jacob Kainen, Woman with Dark Hair, 1959, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Mary Jane Fisher, 1979.82
Woman with Dark Hair
Date1959
oil on canvas
On view
Jacob Kainen, Jacob and the Angel, 1977, oil and collage on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Ruth and Jacob Kainen, 1990.79.2
Jacob and the Angel
Date1977
oil and collage on paper
Not on view
Jacob Kainen, Color Guard, 1973, color lithograph on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist, 1976.14.3
Color Guard
Date1973
color lithograph on paper
Not on view
Jacob Kainen, Casement, 1984, oilstick, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of an anonymous donor, 1995.97
Casement
Date1984
oilstick
Not on view