John Ruhl (sculptor)

John Ruhl (April 14, 1873 – November 19, 1940) was an American sculptor known for his contributions to public art and his influence on bookend design.

Despite early aspirations to pursue art, Ruhl initially entered the workforce as an insurance clerk upon leaving the public school system, due to parental pressure.

During this period he was involved in creating the marble lions in front of the New York Public Library Main Branch and the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Ruhl also sculpted the Indian head, Chief Obbatinewat, the floor seal for the Shawmut Bank of Boston.

The nude Diana is an ungraceful and perhaps impossible attitude with her legs apart and her weight on the right toes, while she is in the act of brandishing rather than hurling a spear.

Other prominent exhibitors at the event were Alexander Sterling Calder, Augustus Saint Gaudens, and Ruhl's own mentor, Frank Elwell.

Collaborating with numerous skilled artists, he created scale models for the "Building the World of Tomorrow" exhibit.

His qualifications included "Pupil of the Metropolitan Museum Art School under John Ward Stimson and Francis Edwin Elwell."

[5] By merging classical techniques with contemporary themes, John Ruhl left an indelible mark on American sculpture and decorative arts.