Watercolor on paper, a study for a fresco of Ms. Oakley, signed and inscribed in pencil at lower right "Edith Emerson / Florence / 1928," presented in a very fine original American Renaissance painted gilt frame.

Paper 18 x 13.5 in.; DOA 29 x 23.5 in.

Private Collection, Durham, North Carolina Gross-McCleaf Gallery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania The Woodmere Art Gallery, Chesnut Hill, Pennsylvania

Edith Emerson was Violet Oakley's partner, living with her and the other "Red Rose Girls" at "Cogslea" in Philadelphia. In addition to supporting Oakley and the others at home, including Jesse Wilcox Smith, Emerson served as director for the Woodmere Gallery from 1940 through 1978. She was also a teacher at the Agnes Irwin School from 1916 to 1927, lecturer at the Philadelphia Museum School of Industrial Art 1929 to 1936, and instructor of art history at Chestnut Hill College 1948 to 1956.

Mounted, foxing throughout.

$300 - 500