Fredric Rodrigo Gruger (1871-1953) Born in Philadelphia, F. R. Gruger enrolled at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in 1890, studying with such luminaries as Thomas Anshutz and Robert Vonnah and later attending studio talks at Robert Henri’s. It was during his early newspaper work at the Philadelphia Public Ledger that Gruger developed his signature "look" of Wolff pencil on board (often with a wash) which he used throughout his career. Despite this somewhat limited medium, he was able to successfully convey the underlying psychology of his subjects, imbuing his small drawings with a monumental presence. Gruger worked with many publishers during his forty-year career, but he is most closely identified with The Saturday Evening Post.

Stranded Couple at the Temple 1930 Woolf pencil on paper, 12 inches x 17 inches "House of Darkness," C. E. Scoggins, Saturday Evening Post, Dec. 27, 1930, p. 16