Elizabeth Quist (American, late 19th- early 20th centuries)

Oil on paper, late 19th century.

Frame size: 20” x 24”

Elizabeth Quist was the stepdaughter of Thomas Campbell, a missionary turned artist. Educated at Auburn Theological Seminary, Campbell began serving as a missionary in 1853. He ministered to Native Americans and held pastorates in New York and Illinois.

Drawing was an important part of Campbell’s life even before he devoted himself to art. He recorded his travels and missionary experiences in a sketchbook that he carried everywhere. Campbell’s wife and stepdaughter accompanied him on these travels, and it is likely that the young Quist started to develop her own skills at this time.

Eventually, the three moved to Tennessee. Upon the death of his wife, Campbell gave up the ministry and devoted the remainder of his life to art. In addition to pursing his own creative projects, he taught at Maryville College where he went on to establish and head their first art department.

An accomplished artist in her own right, Quist completed Campbell’s unfinished paintings upon his death. In addition to the landscapes she favored, Quist painted china.