Part 595: A Postcard from Victor Higgins in 1908
In 1908, Thomas G. Moses received a postcard from Victor Higgins, A.N.A. (1884-1949). Higgins was once a scenic artist at Sosman & Landis studio who left to persue a fine art career in 1905. When Higgins left studio, Moses wrote, “Victor Higgins, one of our promising young men, quit to take up picture painting and started with a strong determination to win, and I think he will.” Moses was right.
On May 5, 1908, Higgins sent a postcard to Moses prior to his departure for Europe. It was a picture postcard showing Higgins outside with his easel and umbrella while plein air painting. The front of the postcard read, “Dear Mr. Moses, Notice that pained expression on my face. V. Higgins.” Although the face is scratched out and faded, it once held a cartoon expression. This shows the camaraderie between Moses and the young artist.
Another postcard from Higgins was mailed from London during 1909. It was addressed to “Mr. Thos. G. Moses, 417 So Clinton St, Chicago, Ill, USA.” On the back, Higgins wrote, “Your letter received. With the gift settled, I will write you all of it. Lots of fun in sights. Regards to the boys. V. Higgins.” The boys were the scenic artists at Sosman & Landis. Moses frequently referred to his painting crew as “the boys.” The London postcard depicted the entrance to the hotel and grill room at the Strand Palace Hotel part of the Kingsway Real Photo Series. The image is reminiscent of the many palace interior drops produced for the stage during that time. I wonder if that was one of the reasons for selecting this particular subject, or to share that the hotel had recently opened.
Although I have explored life and work of Higgins in the past, here is a brief recap. Born in Shelbyville, Indiana, historical records indicate that it was a visiting sign painter who inspired Higgins to become an artist. Higgins left home at the age of 15 in 1899 and entered the Chicago Art Institute. During this time, he also worked as a scenic artist, a common practice for many aspiring artsts. He soon met Moses at Sosman & Landis. While there, Higgins worked with Art Oberbeck, Fred Scott, Edgar Payne, Ansel Cook, Walter C. Hartson, William Nutzhorn, and David Austin Strong. He was one of the artists who also migrated east to work for David Hunt at Sosman & Landis’ eastern affiliate New York Studios. In New York, he worked alongside William Smart, Art Rider, and Al Dutheridge. During this time, he maintained close ties to Chicago’s artistic and theatrical scene.
Higgins’ artistic training prompted him do what many young aspiring artists did at this time – continue his training in Europe. Higgins had the opportunity to study at the Académie de la Grand Chaumière in Paris, becoming a pupil of Rene Menard and Lucien Simon. He then traveled to Munich where he studied with Hans von Hyeck. His travels were funded, however, by the former Chicago Mayor and avid art collector, Carter H. Harrison. I have mentioned this before, but Chicago offered many opportunities for aspiring artists during this beginning of the twentieth century during Mayor Harrison’s administration. Although Harrison would personally fund the travel of many artists, he was instrumental in in the creation of the Commission for the Encouragement of Local Art in 1914. This commission used taxpayer money to purchase paintings and sculpture created by Chicago artists.
Higgins kept in contact with Moses over the years, even returning to paint at Sosman & Landis every once in a while. In 1909, Higgins briefly returned to work for Sosman & Landis again, including the interior decoration of the Chicago’s American Music Hall. Beginning in 1912, Higgins exhibited his artwork with the Palette & Chisel Club, He earned national recognition and was awarded the Gold Medal in 1913. Other artistic awards included the Municipal Art League (1915), the Logan Medal of the Art Institute of Chicago (1917), and the first Altman prize for the National Academy of Design (1918). Higgins work is part of many public and private collections across the United States, including the Art Institute in Chicago, the Corcoran Gallery in Washington, D.C., and the Los Angeles museum.
To be continued…
