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CLAUDE BUCK

1890 - 1974

BiographyClaude Buck was born in New York City and received instruction in drawing and painting from his artist father from the age of three to fourteen. From the age of eleven to fourteen he copied the most famous paintings in the Metropolitan Museum after a special permit was granted. No artist younger than eighteen had ever been permitted to copy at the museum until his persistent efforts from the age of eight convinced the authorities, the trustees, that he was serious and capable. At fourteen he passed the entrance examinations for the National Academy of Design, New York City, studying there until he was twenty-two and receiving awards in every subject.

A Chicago art dealer discovered Claude Buck. Looking for new talent in New York he saw some of Claude Buck's small imaginative paintings, 3"x5", and purchased five for $50 each. He sold one of these for $250 in the Midwest before returning to Chicago and the rest very quickly at this price. Encouraged by the dealer Claude Buck moved to Chicago and became a leading figure in the Chicago art world. Exhibiting and winning awards there from 1919-1943 he then moved to California where he continued to win important awards.

(from curatorial binder)

Person TypeIndividual

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