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Abstract
This thesis will introduce the four most significantly influential artists who defined the Chicago Society of Artists during 1892 (one year before the World's Columbian Exposition) through 1913 (the Armory show in Chicago) who defined not only a Chicago art market by holding exhibitions and auctions, but a conservative art scene as well. The artists discussed are Oliver Dennett Grover, William Wendt, Lorado Taft, and Pauline Palmer. All artists had a different experience within the group, while revealing a side of the CSA that created the group to stand aside from others during this time. One obvious struggle the CSA was involved with in Chicago was the use of Impressionism. The CSA did not oppose the practice within the group, but suggested to not acknowledge it as highly as portraiture. In addition, this group struggled to find identity in relation to the Modern Art trend by 1913.
