Background
![Ruth Burgess watercolor of Stacked Books Ruth Burgess watercolor of Stacked Books](https://digitalamherst.org/files/fullsize/c94b62dc911d3e8afa252327a42808ea.jpg)
Watercolor Two Stacked Books March 2, 1894
![Ruth Burgess sketchbook Ruth Burgess sketchbook](https://digitalamherst.org/files/fullsize/6eec171036095e91f01d30079caf305f.jpg)
Letterbound sketchbook
![Ruth Burgess crayon sketch of woman seated in chair Ruth Burgess crayon sketch of woman seated in chair](https://digitalamherst.org/files/fullsize/a2cccd5ba69d81e481263f5143600802.jpg)
An 1898 sketch
![Ruth Burgess study sketch of woman with a mandolin Ruth Burgess study sketch of woman with a mandolin](https://digitalamherst.org/files/fullsize/6fd8f46a92a91f9fbbbb5a75e02fc911.jpg)
A study sketch in pencil
Ruth Payne Jewett Burgess was born in Montpelier, Vermont in 1865. She studied in New England, Germany and Italy, exploring and developing her artistic talent. Her works include landscapes, stills, and portraiture. She is particularly noted for her works in watercolor and oil.