Study for two doves, "Christ the Carpenter" World War II portable altarpiece, for Philadelphia Naval Base Chapel
Date
c. 1944Medium
Graphite and charcoal on paperCredit Line
Gift of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, 2015Dimensions
10 3/4 x 12 1/2 in.Description & Inscriptions
[lower left and right in red ink]: stamped monogram initials and stamped signature; [bottom left in graphite]: Holy Dove descending; [bottom right in graphite]: Christ the Carpenter
One of Oakley's most impressive altarpieces was the monumental Christ the Carpenter for the Philadelphia Naval Yard Chapel, which portrays Jesus as a strong young man in a tunic building the hull of a ship. Beneath the workbench, his pet dog watches as he bears lumber onto his shoulder in a pose that foreshadows the carrying of the cross.
One of Oakley's most impressive altarpieces was the monumental Christ the Carpenter for the Philadelphia Naval Yard Chapel, which portrays Jesus as a strong young man in a tunic building the hull of a ship. Beneath the workbench, his pet dog watches as he bears lumber onto his shoulder in a pose that foreshadows the carrying of the cross.
