Early Life and Artistic Training William Gilbert Gaul (born March 18, 1855, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – died December 21, 1919, in Ridgefield, New Jersey) demonstrated an early aptitude for drawing. His father, a successful businessman, initially discouraged artistic pursuits, favoring a more conventional career path. However, Gaul’s persistent passion led him to enroll at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts around 1873. Ther…