Benjamin O'Fallon Raborg Paintings


Benjamin O'Fallon Raborg was an American painter known for his portraits and figure paintings. Born on March 27, 1874, in St. Louis, Missouri, Raborg was exposed to the arts at a young age and developed a deep interest in painting. His talent became apparent early on, and he pursued his passion for art throughout his life.

Raborg's artistic education included studying at the St. Louis School of Fine Arts and later at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts under the tutelage of renowned American artists like Thomas Anshutz and Cecilia Beaux. Additionally, he furthered his art studies in Europe, which was a common practice for American artists at the time who wanted to immerse themselves in the classical and contemporary art scene. This exposure to European styles and techniques greatly influenced his work.

Throughout his career, Raborg became known for his ability to capture the likeness and character of his subjects. His portraits were often noted for their psychological depth and the sensitive handling of his medium. In addition to portraits, his oeuvre included genre scenes and occasional landscapes, revealing a versatile talent adaptable to various subjects.

Raborg's work was recognized and exhibited in prestigious venues. He participated in exhibitions at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the National Academy of Design, and the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904, among others. Despite the recognition, Raborg remained a relatively modest figure in the American art scene, focusing on his craft rather than self-promotion.

Benjamin O'Fallon Raborg's dedication to art continued throughout his life until his death on March 19, 1933, in New York City. His paintings remain as a testament to his skill and serve as valuable pieces of American art history, particularly in the area of portraiture and figure painting.