Anna Whelan Betts
Encyclopedia
Anna Whelan Betts was an American
illustrator and art teacher who was noted for her paintings of Victorian
women in romantic settings. Betts is considered one of the primary artists of the golden age of American illustration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Betts was born on May 15, 1875 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
, the oldest of three children of the physician Thomas Betts and Alice Whelan. Her sister, Ethel
, would also become an artist. Betts studied art at the Pennsylvania Academy in Philadelphia with Robert Vonnoh
. After graduating, she moved to Paris where she was tutored by the French painter Courtois
. Upon returning to the United States, she studied illustration under Howard Pyle
, founder of the Brandywine School
. Betts's first published illustration was for Collier's magazine in 1899. Her work later appeared in many of the popular magazines of the early 1900s including Century Magazine, Harper's, The Ladies’ Home Journal, and St. Nicholas Magazine
. Her book illustrations appeared for the first time in 1904 in Eleanor Hoyt Brainerd
's Nancy’s Country Christmas. Betts was honored as a fellow at the Pennsylvania Academy and won several medals including a bronze medal at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition (1915)
in San Francisco.
After her eyesight began failing in 1925, Betts was advised to retire from illustration. She joined the faculty of the small private boys' school, Solebury School
, where she worked as an administrator, hostess and art teacher. In 1944, Betts retired from teaching and moved to New Hope, Pennsylvania
, to live with her sister Ethel.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
illustrator and art teacher who was noted for her paintings of Victorian
Victorian fashion
Victorian fashion comprises the various fashions and trends in British culture that emerged and grew in province throughout the Victorian era and the reign of Queen Victoria, a period which would last from June 1837 to January 1901. Covering nearly two thirds of the 19th century, the 63 year reign...
women in romantic settings. Betts is considered one of the primary artists of the golden age of American illustration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Betts was born on May 15, 1875 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
, the oldest of three children of the physician Thomas Betts and Alice Whelan. Her sister, Ethel
Ethel Franklin Betts
Ethel Franklin Betts was an American illustrator primarily of children's books during the golden age of American illustration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries....
, would also become an artist. Betts studied art at the Pennsylvania Academy in Philadelphia with Robert Vonnoh
Robert Vonnoh
Robert William Vonnoh was an American Impressionist painter known for his portraits and landscapes. He traveled extensively between the East Coast and France, more specifically the artists colony Grez-sur-Loing....
. After graduating, she moved to Paris where she was tutored by the French painter Courtois
Courtois
- Persons :* Antoine Courtois, French manufacturer of brass instruments* Jacques Courtois, French painter * Guillaume Courtois, French painter * Guy Courtois, Canadian doctor...
. Upon returning to the United States, she studied illustration under Howard Pyle
Howard Pyle
Howard Pyle was an American illustrator and author, primarily of books for young people. A native of Wilmington, Delaware, he spent the last year of his life in Florence, Italy.__FORCETOC__...
, founder of the Brandywine School
Brandywine School
The Brandywine School was a style of illustration and an artists colony in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, near Brandywine Creek, founded by artist Howard Pyle at the end of the 19th century...
. Betts's first published illustration was for Collier's magazine in 1899. Her work later appeared in many of the popular magazines of the early 1900s including Century Magazine, Harper's, The Ladies’ Home Journal, and St. Nicholas Magazine
St. Nicholas Magazine
St. Nicholas Magazine was a popular children's magazine, founded by Scribner's in 1873. The first editor was Mary Mapes Dodge, who continued her association with the magazine until her death in 1905. Dodge published work by the country's best writers, including Louisa May Alcott, Francis Hodgson...
. Her book illustrations appeared for the first time in 1904 in Eleanor Hoyt Brainerd
Eleanor Hoyt Brainerd
Eleanor Hoyt Brainerd was an American author of the early 20th century. She published at least 10 novels, mostly written for young women.- Childhood :...
's Nancy’s Country Christmas. Betts was honored as a fellow at the Pennsylvania Academy and won several medals including a bronze medal at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition (1915)
Panama-Pacific International Exposition (1915)
The Panama-Pacific International Exposition was a world's fair held in San Francisco, California between February 20 and December 4 in 1915. Its ostensible purpose was to celebrate the completion of the Panama Canal, but it was widely seen in the city as an opportunity to showcase its recovery...
in San Francisco.
After her eyesight began failing in 1925, Betts was advised to retire from illustration. She joined the faculty of the small private boys' school, Solebury School
Solebury School
Solebury School is a co-educational college preparatory day and boarding school located on a campus in Solebury Township, Pennsylvania . There are currently 230 day and boarding students enrolled...
, where she worked as an administrator, hostess and art teacher. In 1944, Betts retired from teaching and moved to New Hope, Pennsylvania
New Hope, Pennsylvania
New Hope, formerly known as Coryell's Ferry, is a borough in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, USA. The population was 2,528 at the 2010 census. The borough lies on the west bank of the Delaware River at its confluence with Aquetong Creek. A two-lane bridge carries automobile and foot traffic across the...
, to live with her sister Ethel.
External links
- "Biography for Anna Betts", American Illustrators Gallery, (August 2006)
- Betts, Anna Whelan, Schoonover Schools Ltd.