Ralph Albert Blakelock

Background

Ralph Blakelock was born on October 15, 1847, in New York City, United States. His father was a successful physician.

Education

In 1864 began studies at the Free Academy of the City of New York (now known as the City College). He dropped out after his third term.

Career

As he matured, he developed a more intimate, subjective style.

His favorite theme was the deep forest with its wildness and solitude; the hours were sunset, twilight, or night - seldom full daylight.

With the years he concentrated more and more on moonlight scenes; the characteristic Blakelock nocturne is a peaceful moonlit scene, trees silhouetted against the sky, the moon seen through a tracery of foliage, veils of atmosphere creating patterns of receding planes. Blakelock's style was akin to the French Barbizon painters Narcisse Diaz and Théodore Rousseau.

But he was not a follower of any school; his was a highly personal art, drawing its content from the American scene.

In money matters Blakelock was completely unworldly.

His schizophrenic delusion was that he was immensely wealthy - perhaps a compensation for his long struggle to support his family.

Within a few years paintings he had sold so cheaply were resold for several thousand dollars, benefiting neither Blakelock nor his family.

By 1903 his work was being forged, so that eventually there were many more fakes than genuine works.

Achievements

• Blakelock was one of the most individual painters of his period in America.

Personality

In art, Blakelock was a genius, yet, in business dealings and in monetary transactions he proved a failure. After repeated failed business transactions he began to suffer from extreme depression and eventually show symptoms of mental frailty.

He preferred to use improvisation as an artistic method throughout his life.

Interests

• He was heavily influenced by the French Barbizon School, whose painters, favored dark forests and heavily worked surfaces.

Connections

In 1877 Blakelock married Cora Rebecca Bailey; they had nine children.

Mother:

Cora Rebecca Bailey

References

• Ralph Albert Blakelock: The Great Mad Genius Returns