William Glackens Biography

Born in Philadelphia, William Glackens began his career as a newspaper illustrator. After meeting Robert Henri in 1891, he was inspired to pursue a painting career. Five years later, he moved to NewYork and joined The Eight in 1908. Glackens was a principle member of the Ashcan School although his work bordered on Impressionism rather than Social Realism. After 1912, Glackens worked as the art consultant for Dr. Arthur C. Barnes and traveled across Europe in order to build his employer?s collection. Glackens became the first president of the Society of Independent Artists in 1917.