Robert Thom (illustrator)

For other people with the same name, see Robert Thom.

Robert Alan Thom (March 4, 1915 in Grand Rapids, Michigan - December 31, 1979 in Alma, Michigan)[1] was an American illustrator who specialized in the portrayal of historical scenes for commercial patrons. He is perhaps best known for his series of 40 paintings depicting the history of pharmacy, and his series of 45 paintings depicting the history of medicine, both commissioned by Parke-Davis.

Biography

A student of Robert Brackman,[2] Thom began his career as a commercial illustrator for General Motors and Detroit Edison in 1939, and set off as an independent artist in 1945. In this role, he produced many series of commissioned paintings for clients such as Kimberly-Clark (scenes from the history of "Graphic Communications Through the Ages"), Illinois Bell (scenes from the history of Illinois), Michigan Bell (scenes from the history of Michigan), and Chevrolet (scenes from the history of baseball).

Legacy

Thom's works appear in galleries, museums, and universities worldwide, including the Baseball Hall of Fame and the White House.

References

  1. ↑ A Gift of Art and History: Medical paintings from Pfizer ‘a remarkable product of their time’ at Medicine at Michigan; published Spring 2008; retrieved May 9, 2012
  2. ↑ School of Pharmacy news: School of Pharmacy purchases famous print collection; at Loma Linda University; by Larry Kidder; published September 14, 2006; retrieved May 9, 2012
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