Smith, Jessie Willcox, 1863-1935

Jessie Willcox Smith was born in Philadelphia in 1863. She originally studied to be a kindergarten teacher and actually served in that capacity before accidentally discovering a propensity for drawing. She's one of the few illustrators I've profiled who wasn't an astonishing child prodigy. She was probably around 20 before she took up a pencil. Initial studies were quickly replaced with formal courses at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts where she learned from Thomas Eakins, and others. She graduated in 1888 and began a long, distinguished career. Her earliest work appeared in the monthly magazine for children, St. Nicholas. She died in her sleep in 1935. She was America's premier female illustrator during most of her life.Biographical Source: http://www.bpib.com/illustrat/jwsmith.htm , 2008.

From the description of Jessie Willcox Smith Papers n.d. (University of Minnesota, Minneapolis). WorldCat record id: 471786488

Illustrator; Philadelphia, Pa.

Was famous for her "Good Housekeeping" covers and book illustrations and a native Philadelphian. Attended the Moore College of Art, the Pennsylvania Academy and studied under Howard Pyle at Drexel. It was in Pyle's class that Smith met Violet Oakley and Elizabeth Shippen Green who became life long friends and with whom she shared a home and studios. Exhibited at the Academy's Annuals and was awarded several prizes.

From the description of Jessie Willcox Smith papers, 1901-1931. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 78817083

Jessie Willcox Smith was born in Philadelphia in 1863. She originally studied to be a kindergarten teacher and actually served in that capacity before accidentally discovering a propensity for drawing. She's one of the few illustrators I've profiled who wasn't an astonishing child prodigy. She was probably around 20 before she took up a pencil. Initial studies were quickly replaced with formal courses at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts where she learned from Thomas Eakins, and others. She graduated in 1888 and began a long, distinguished career. Her earliest work appeared in the monthly magazine for children, St. Nicholas . She died in her sleep in 1935. She was America's premier female illustrator during most of her life.

Biographical Source: http://www.bpib.com/illustrat/jwsmith.htm, 2008

From the guide to the Jessie Willcox Smith Papers, n.d., (University of Minnesota Libraries Children's Literature Research Collections [clrc])