John A. Ruthven (1924 – 2020) was an American wildlife artist celebrated for his incredibly detailed and lifelike paintings of birds and animals. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, he developed a passion for nature at a young age, often sketching wildlife along the Ohio River. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he studied at the Art Academy of Cincinnati, then opened a commercial art studio where he even created the iconic Play‑Doh Boy for early Play‑Doh advertising. In 1960, he gained national recognition when his painting of redhead ducks won the prestigious Federal Duck Stamp competition.

Ruthven was often called the “20th‑century Audubon” for his meticulous approach, combining scientific observation with artistic talent. His work appeared in museums like the Smithsonian and the Cincinnati Museum of Natural History, and he created memorable public art, including a large mural of Martha, the last passenger pigeon, in downtown Cincinnati. In 2004, Ruthven became the first wildlife artist to receive the National Medal of Arts—an honor recognizing his contributions as both artist and naturalist. He spent his later years on a farm near Georgetown, Ohio, continuing to paint and inspire others until his passing in 2020 at age 95.