Rouland, Orlando (American painter, 1871-1945)

Portrait artist. Born Pleasant Ridge, Illinois, 12 December 1871. Studied in Germany with Max Thedy and at the Julian Academy in Paris, as well as in London and New York City. Rouland's portraits began to attract notice around 1905. He married New York socialite Minnie Dwight, who actively promoted his career. Her patronage of dancer Ruth St. Denis inspired Rouland to paint St. Denis performing her work "Cobras." In addition to socialites, Rouland painted portraits of such public figures as Theodore Roosevelt, John Burroughs, Chauncey M. Depew, Thomas Alva Edison and the opera singer Dame Nellie Melba. During the 1930s, he was a member of the Allied Artists of America and the Artists' Professional League. Rouland was particularly active in the latter group's promotion of the exhibitions and sale of work by emerging American artists. He was also active in the Lotos Club of New York City and arranged a number of exhibitions at the club of work of its artist members.