Louis Betts, 1873-1961
Louis Betts studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and with William M. Chase, one of America's great nineteenth century portrait painters. The work of Franz Hals (Holland) and Diego Velasquez (Spain) also influenced Betts. During his long career, Betts won many prizes and exhibited his work throughout the country. He helped found the artists colony in Park Ridge, Illinois. His works hang at the Art Institute of Chicago, the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Capitol, and in many other public and private collections.
A group of former students and friends of Ellen Sabin, cajoled her into sitting for a portrait. According to Lorraine Watts, M-D '15, this group raised $2,000 and selected Louis Betts because he was "the best portrait painter of his day." Betts' wife, who traveled with him, initially insulted Sabin by suggesting that she apply some make-up. The story goes that Sabin's only remark about her completed portrait was, "I look exactly like an apple dumpling." In reality, the portrait is exquisite, capturing Sabin's strength and intelligence, while at the same time portraying her as an attractive and intriguing woman.
Read "President Sabin sits for her portrait," by Lorraine Watts, M-D '15, from the Milwaukee Journal, November 12, 1963.