James Merritt Ives: A Life Dedicated to Popular Printmaking Early Life and Education Born: March 5, 1824, in New York City. His father was the superintendent of Bellevue Hospital. Ives received a largely self-directed art education, visiting galleries and utilizing resources like the Astor Library. He continued his artistic pursuits even while working from a young age (age 12). He married Caroline Clark in 1846; they had six children. Career at Currier & Ives Early Employment: In 1852, Ives began working as a bookkeeper for N. Currier, Lithographer (later Currier & Ives). Bus…