Henry T Cariss (1850-1903)

A Philadelphia artist with a specialization for figurative scenes, Henry T. Cariss began his career in the theaters, painting backdrops, as well as earning the reputation as a performer. As an artist, he joined the Philadelphia Sketch Club in 1878, where he is recorded that Cariss "in his early 30s, was a most popular member of the Club, with a good singing voice, which he was always willing to inflict on social gatherings." He was elected President of the Sketch Club in 1883, and was also a member of the Society of Etchers, and was a founding member of the Philadelphia Art Club. He also produced etchings and stained glass works of his original paintings.