Nobody drew and painted food like Rene Clarke. He joined the advertising firm of Caulkins and Holden in 1912, where he remained for 44 years. He became Art Director and served the last 7 years as President. While his given name was James Alfred Clarke, he admired a French artist by the name of Rene Vincent. His associates at Caulkins and Holden started calling him Rene, which he apparently liked and he adopted it.
During the 20s he doubled as artist as well as creative director on the agency’s signature accounts, Wesson Oil and Heinz Products. His talent as a designer raised the ads far above the common visuals of the era. The following is a small sample of the artistry he brought to common food products.
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