
An artist and educator, as well as a diplomat, Elmer Forsberg taught classes on drawing, painting, composition, illustration and mural design at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago from 1906 until his death in 1950. Finnish-born, Forsberg also served as Finland’s Consul in Chicago from 1924 to 1942. As an artist, Forsberg was well known for his landscapes and portraits, which he exhibited regionally and at the Art Institute. A scrapbook of newspaper clippings of exhibitions and criticism of his own paintings also mentions his students’ work, Forsberg’s political activities, and work in the Finnish community. The collection also contains some correspondence and photographs of his paintings.
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Seated Female Nude Seen From Behind
Elmer A. Forsberg Finnish, 1883-1950

Reclining Female Nude, Seen from Behind (recto); Crouching Female Nude (verso)
Elmer A. Forsberg Finnish, 1883-1950

Tetuan, Morocco
George Elmer Browne American, 1871-1946

Nouvart Dzeron, A Daughter of Armenia
Ralph Elmer Clarkson (American, 1861–1942)