Portrait study of Charles W. Beck, Jr., president of the Beck Engraving Company [printer of The Holy Experiment: A Message to the World from Pennsylvania]
Date
Date unknownMedium
Pastel on brown paper on board under framing mat of beige paperCredit Line
Gift of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, 2015Dimensions
18 1/2 x 11 3/4 in.Description & Inscriptions
[bottom right of drawing in red ink]: stamped signature stamped monogram initials; [verso in black ink]: James M. Beck, Jr. of / Beck Engraving Co., Philadelphia / (printers of V.O. portfolio.
Beck's company was responsible for the private printing of Oakley's The Holy Experiment: A Message to the World from Pennsylvania (1922). Printed on handmade paper, the book included 22 colored and gilt illuminated plates, with all text in calligraphy. Production costs exceeded original estimates, adding to Oakley's financial struggles. To offset her expenses several years later, Oakley had protracted correspondence with Beck over payment of his portrait.
Beck's company was responsible for the private printing of Oakley's The Holy Experiment: A Message to the World from Pennsylvania (1922). Printed on handmade paper, the book included 22 colored and gilt illuminated plates, with all text in calligraphy. Production costs exceeded original estimates, adding to Oakley's financial struggles. To offset her expenses several years later, Oakley had protracted correspondence with Beck over payment of his portrait.
