William Merchant Richardson French, Director of Art Institute 1879-1914

Louis Betts's William Merchant Richardson French (c. 1905) is an oil on canvas portrait of the first director of the Art Institute of Chicago. French was instrumental in establishing the Art Institute's collection and its role in Chicago's cultural life. Betts's portrait shows the director with intellectual authority, the refined features rendered with sensitivity.

French was the founding director of the Art Institute, responsible for building its collections and reputation.

This portrait captures the intellectual authority of the Art Institute's first director, a fitting tribute to a key figure in American museum history.