Grandmother’s Love Letters

James Carroll Beckwith, known professionally as Carroll Beckwith, was an esteemed American painter whose work spanned landscapes, portraits, and genre scenes, marked by a Naturalist style that earned him acclaim in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born on September 23, 1852, in Hannibal, Missouri, Beckwith's early life was shaped by his family's move to Chicago, where his father established a wholesale grocery business. His artistic journey began at the Chicago Academy of Design under Walter Shirlaw, but the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 forced a relocation to New York. There, he continued his studies at the National Academy of Design with Lemuel Wilmarth before venturing to Paris for further artistic development. In Paris, Beckwith honed his skills under Adolphe Yvon and Carolus Duran, the latter selecting him alongside John Singer Sargent for a significant mural project at the Palais du Luxembourg. Upon returning to the United States in 1878, Beckwith's career flourished as he became a prominent figure in the American art scene. His exceptional draftsmanship led to a teaching position at the Art Students League of New York, where he influenced a generation of artists. Beckwith's artistic focus was diverse, encompassing portraits, figure studies, and historical monuments, yet he maintained a keen interest in decorative design. His personal life saw him marry Bertha Hall in 1887, with Sargent gifting them a Venetian watercolor, symbolizing their close friendship. Beckwith's legacy includes his active role in the formation of The Fine Art, showcasing his dedication to the advancement of American art.