Robert Sterling Clark (June 25, 1877 – December 29, 1956), an heir to the Singer Sewing Machine fortune, was an American art collector, horse breeder, and philanthropist.

[1] Following his graduation from Yale University in 1899 with a degree in engineering,[2] Clark visited Paris, France and over the years would return there frequently, eventually maintaining a residence there.

After a falling out among the brothers, Sterling not only cancelled such plans but also withdrew his share of the family fortune from the collective trust.

The Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, Massachusetts opened its doors to the public in 1955.

Works in the collection included over 30 Renoirs as well as Dutch, Spanish and American painters such as Winslow Homer, Goya, Frans Hals, and Degas.

[5][6] He established the Robert Sterling Clark Foundation which operates today from offices at 135 East 64th St., New York City.