Richard Bennett (1899-1971) was a nationally known printmaker, illustrator, and painter. He was born in Ireland but grew up just outside Seattle in Washington State, and he also spent time in New York City and Ireland. A leading children's book author and illustrator, he received national recognition for his woodblock prints and engravings. He was close friends with several leading Northwest artists including Mark Tobey, Morris Graves, Kenneth Callahan, and Guy Anderson. Bennett Elementary in Bellevue is named in his honor and is located on the grounds once owned by the Bennett family. Bennett often painted the male figure as prominently shown in this pastel-colored work.