Claude Raguet Hirst, born in Cincinnati, Ohio, studied painting between 1884 and 1885 under Thomas Noble at the Cincinnati Art Academy. She continued her studies in New York City under Agnes Abbatt and George Smillie, taking a studio at 30 East 14th Street. Hirst first exhibited at the National Academy of Design in 1882 and continued to exhibit similar floral still lifes each year through 1886. After a four year hiatus, Hirst once again exhibited at the National Academy. However, in this year the titles of her three entries, Bachelor's Solace, Crumbs of Comfort, and Ye Ancient Tale, no longer reflect her former interest in floral subjects but rather the subjects and style of the famous trompe l'oeil painter William Michael Harnett, who had set up his studio at 28 East 14th Street, just one door away from Hirst. It is most probable that the close proximity of working quarters exposed Hirst to Harnett's bachelor subjects and style, both of which she quickly adopted. Hirst exhibited yearly at the National Academy from 1890 to 1905, missing only 1892. She also exhibited frequently at the National Association of Women Painters and Sculptors and at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.  Hirst died in 1942.  (M. MELISSA WOLFE)