Howard Christy (1872-1956) American, "Christy Girl" Victory Liberty Loan Poster. Depicts a beautiful woman surrounded by patriotic symbols, with the words "Americans all!" and an "Honor Roll" around her. Signed and dated 1919 lower middle right. Framed.
Overall Size: 40 1/4 x 27 in.
Sight Size: 39 1/2 x 26 1/2 in.
#2 #3581 .
Howard Chandler Christy was born January 10th, 1872 in Morgan County, Ohio. He attended the Art Students League of New York in New York City from 1890 to 1891 and then studied at the National Academy under William Merritt Chase, first at Chase’s summer retreat at Shinnecock Hills, New York on Long Island, and then at his 10th Street Studio. Christy first attracted public attention with his work as a combat artist during the Spanish-American War, published in Scribner’s, Harper’s, Leslie’s Weekly, and Collier’s Weekly. Christy’s portrait of Colonel Theodore Roosevelt that appeared on the cover of the Rough Riders series from Scribner’s gained him special prominence. Uncomfortable being asked to create gritty, “dirty” images of war all the time, he decided to shift away from painting men in uniform, yearning for “American beauty” instead. He created the iconic “Christy Girl” image, redefining the contemporary portrayal of women in America through his illustrations and portraits in a picturesque and romantic style: tall, confident, elegant, witty, and athletic, often with defined musculature and an ethereal glow about them. In 1898 he married Maebelle Gertrude Thompson, the first model for his “Christy Girl,” with whom he had a daughter named Natalie. They divorced in May 1919, after over ten years of periodic separation and custody battles. During World War I he painted patriotic posters for the Navy and Marine Corps, and illustrated the works of the war correspondent Richard Harding Davis. His work, whether in watercolor, oils, or pen-and-ink, became instantly recognizable to the American public. In 1924 Christy painted the official portrait of First Lady Grace Coolidge that was hung in the Red Room of the White House and has been displayed in the China Room since the Kennedy administration. In 1925 he married Nancy Mae Palmer, a widow who had modeled for him for the past eight years. Their divorce was more amicable. During the Great Depression Christy found new success as a muralist and painter of historical events. In 1934 he met Elise Ford, who became his model for a series of female nudes to decorate the New York City restaurant Café des Artistes, which have been restored and are still visible at the restaurant (reopened as The Leopard in the 1960s). Forty years his junior, Nancy became the template for all future variations of the “Christy Girl,” and was his companion until his death. They had a daughter named Holly in 1939. In 1940 he painted perhaps his most famous work, the Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States, which was installed in the House of Representatives wing in the United States Capitol. He passed away in New York City on March 3rd, 1952. Original works by Christy can be found in numerous museums, including the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center, and he is considered one of the paramount artists of 20th Century American nationalistic art.
Condition
Spotting throughout. Small stain in lower left corner. Small tears throughout.
