Samuel Chatwood Burton was a Professor of Fine Art and Architecture at the University of Minnesota, a painter, sculptor, lithographer and etcher. He was also a member of the Minneapolis Art Association and the Chicago Society of Etchers.

Burton had Midwestern roots but spent time abroad. While in Spain, he created numerous etchings while also writing and illustrating a book titled Spain Poised, Etchings of Spain. He then studied at the Academie Julian in Paris before returning to Minnesota where he unfortunately ended his own life in 1947.