Collection of the University of Pittsburgh Art Gallery. Gift of Mrs. Sarah P. Thomas
1984.8.2
Portrait of Rhea Beck, no. 1 [Page Girl]
1924 (Date created)
Oil
Painting
Paintings
19.25 in W
x
21.75 in H
(Frame)
13.875 in W x 11.5 in H (Image)
13.875 in W x 11.5 in H (Image)
American
Rhea Beck's father was a prominent Pittsburgh businessman.
With the use of a spotlight contrasting the foreground from the murky background, Parcell manages to portray a serene moment in the life of this woman. Best known for his portraits and landscapes, Parcell uses soft tones to draw attention to the figure's natural facial expression. Each of Parcell's portraits embodies a different facial expression.
Portrait of Rhea Beck, no. 1 was presumably commissioned by the sitter's father, a prominent business man native to the city of Pittsburgh-like Parcell himself. The light shed upon her face highlights her blushing cheeks and rosy lips, while her full brown curls of hair fall along her face, outlining the confusion in her eyes. The expression of this woman represents her high status; only the wealthy were able to sit for a portrait during this time period.
-from exhibition label for Face Value (fall 2012)
Portrait of Rhea Beck, no. 1 was presumably commissioned by the sitter's father, a prominent business man native to the city of Pittsburgh-like Parcell himself. The light shed upon her face highlights her blushing cheeks and rosy lips, while her full brown curls of hair fall along her face, outlining the confusion in her eyes. The expression of this woman represents her high status; only the wealthy were able to sit for a portrait during this time period.
-from exhibition label for Face Value (fall 2012)
In Collection
University of Pittsburgh Art Gallery (Gift, 1983-now)
Sarah P. Thomas (Purchased and owned, 1975-1983)
Dillner Galleries Auction (Sold, June 17-18, 1975)
Albert J. Marino (Owned, 1965-75)
Wunderley Galleries (Before 1965)?
J.J.Gillespie Company, Pittsburgh (Exhibited, May 9-23, 1927)
Sarah P. Thomas (Purchased and owned, 1975-1983)
Dillner Galleries Auction (Sold, June 17-18, 1975)
Albert J. Marino (Owned, 1965-75)
Wunderley Galleries (Before 1965)?
J.J.Gillespie Company, Pittsburgh (Exhibited, May 9-23, 1927)
J.C. Stiers, "Malcolm Parcell Paintings Shown in N.Y.", in Washington Observer, c. May 1927
Miller 1985, p.43
P.B. Edwards, "The Life and Work of Malcolm Parcell: A catalogue raisonne", Washington County Historical Society, Washington, PA, 2002.
Included in Malcolm's slide collection
Exhibited at J.J. Gillepsie Company, Pittsburgh, May 9-23, 1927.
Listed in the 1969 Marino Appraisal.
Miller 1985, p.43
P.B. Edwards, "The Life and Work of Malcolm Parcell: A catalogue raisonne", Washington County Historical Society, Washington, PA, 2002.
Included in Malcolm's slide collection
Exhibited at J.J. Gillepsie Company, Pittsburgh, May 9-23, 1927.
Listed in the 1969 Marino Appraisal.
Please note that cataloging is ongoing and that some information may not be complete.