Ralph Cahoon was born in Chatham, Massachusetts and studied at the School of Practical Art in Boston. He worked part-time as an antiques dealer and kept a shop in Osterville on Cape Cod. Cahoon and his wife, fellow artist Martha Farham, later moved to Cotuit, where they established a permanent home and studio. He is known for satires of historical events, satires of everyday events set against the backdrop of specific geographical locations, and fantastical scenes in his trademark style. After his death in 1982, his home was converted to a museum. The Cahoon Museum of American Art remains open today.