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Frederic Clay Bartlett (1873-1953) | Illinois Historical Art Project
By William Tyre
Frederic Clay Bartlett may not be a name that is instantly recognizable, but the artwork he created or collected helped establish Chicago as an important center for art in the first decades of the 20th century. The year 2023 marked the 150th anniversary of his birth, and the event brought together several scholars for a half-day symposium at Second Presbyterian Church, who discussed various aspects of his life, from his major mural commissions in the city to his advocacy for modern art, and from the significant collection of paintings he gave to the Art Institute of Chicago to his remarkable winter home, Bonnet House, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Bartlett’s story begins in 1863 when his father, Adolphus Clay Bartlett, traveled from Stratford, New York, to Chicago at the age of 19 to clerk in a hardware firm. He was made a partner in 1877, and five years later, the firm reorganized as Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Co. It became one of the largest wholesale hardware firms in the country, and in 1904, Bartlett assumed the presidency after the death of William Hibbard. (The company was sold in 1962 for its “True Value” brand name, launching hundreds of retail hardware stores). Frederic’s father invested liberally in the common stock of local companies. He became a director of the Chicago and Alton Railroad, as well as the First National Bank of Chicago. He was also a founder and director of the Northern Trust Bank, and close friends with majority shareholder Byron L. Smith. Bartlett attended St. Paul’s School in Concord, New Hampshire, and Harvard School for Boys in Chicago. At nineteen, instead of pursuing a college degree, he traveled to Europe from Chicago to study art—a decision that would profoundly shape his artistic trajectory.
## Early Life and European Influences
Bartlett was born on June 1, 1873, at the family home at 2222 S. Calumet Avenue, near the affluent Prairie Avenue district. His father, Adolphus Clay Bartlett (A.C.), was a prosperous lumber merchant but died when Frederic was just ten years old. As a boy, A.C. was unusually cheerful and bright, receiving the highest marks in every classroom. He attended St. Paul’s School in Concord, New Hampshire, and Harvard School for Boys in Chicago. The World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 served as a catalyst for Bartlett's artistic awakening. He visited the Palace of Fine Arts countless times with his close friend Robert Allerton—together they studied one of the largest collections of paintings ever assembled in the world. Frederic later wrote: “Tired we were, for as was our custom, we had walked past miles and miles of pictures, a never-ending wild excitement for us. To think that men could conceive such things, and actually bring them into being on a flat bare canvas.” Bartlett’s fascination with Impressionism and Symbolism would endure throughout his life, informing his artistic vision and shaping his approach to composition and color. He enrolled in Munich, Germany, where he studied under Jean-Paul Laurens—a formative experience that instilled in him a deep appreciation for classical aesthetics alongside the burgeoning currents of modern art. He continued his studies in Paris, honing his skills under Edmond Aman-Jean and Raphaël Collin at École Collin. These masters imparted invaluable techniques and exposed him to the evolving artistic landscape of their time. Puvis de Chavannes’s monumental canvases and symbolic narratives particularly resonated with Bartlett—inspiring him to explore ambitious themes and achieve grandeur in his own work.
## Artistic Achievements: Murals and Collections
Bartlett’s most celebrated achievements lay in his mural commissions, which cemented his reputation as one of Chicago’s foremost artists. His first major undertaking was a monumental fresco for Second Presbyterian Church in 1900—a project that showcased his mastery of technique and his ability to convey profound spiritual themes. Despite the tragic loss of the artwork during a devastating fire, Bartlett persevered, securing commissions for other notable institutions, including the Frank Dickinson Bartlett Memorial Gymnasium at Harvard University and the Michigan Room of the Chicago Art Institute. These murals demonstrated his unwavering commitment to artistic innovation—integrating classical compositional principles with vibrant color palettes and evocative imagery. Beyond his own creative output, Bartlett cultivated an extraordinary collection of French Post-Impressionist and modernist paintings—a testament to his discerning eye and generous spirit. He donated a substantial portion of this collection to the Art Institute of Chicago, bolstering its holdings and establishing its position as a leading institution for modern art. His patronage extended beyond monetary contributions; Bartlett actively championed emerging artists and fostered an environment where creativity could flourish—leaving an indelible mark on Chicago’s cultural heritage.
## Legacy and Influence
Frederic Clay Bartlett died in 1953, leaving behind a legacy that transcends his artistic creations. He was instrumental in transforming Chicago into a significant center for modern art—promoting the ideals of innovation and beauty while nurturing a vibrant artistic community. His unwavering dedication to artistic excellence—coupled with his philanthropic endeavors—continues to inspire artists and collectors today. Bartlett’s story serves as a reminder that true artistic impact lies not only in producing visually stunning works but also in fostering an environment where creativity thrives—a legacy that secures his place among the titans of American art history.
