Violet Oakley

Violet Oakley (June 10, 1874 – February 25, 1961) was an American muralist, illustrator, and artist who became the first American woman to receive a public mural commission. Based in Philadelphia for most of her career, Oakley was instrumental in bringing the mural arts tradition to the city and state, most notably through her extensive work in the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg.

Early Life and Education

Oakley was born in Bergen Heights, New Jersey, to a family with artistic inclinations—her grandfather and father were both artists. She studied at the Art Students League of New York, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) in Philadelphia, and in England and France.

At PAFA, she studied under Cecilia Beaux and became part of a circle of influential female artists. She was deeply influenced by the Pre-Raphaelite movement and the Arts and Crafts philosophy.

Career

Pennsylvania State Capitol

Oakley's most significant achievement was her murals for the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg. Beginning in 1902, she worked on this project for over two decades, creating:

• Governor's Reception Room murals (1902-1906)
• Senate Chamber murals (1911-1920)
• Supreme Court Chamber murals (completed 1927)

Her work in the Capitol made her the first woman to receive a public mural commission in America. The murals address themes of law, justice, religious freedom, and Pennsylvania's Quaker heritage.

Other Notable Works

• Murals at the Church of All Angels, New York
• Illustrations for major publications
• Portraits and other paintings held in museum collections
• Stained glass designs

Philadelphia Studio

Oakley maintained her studio at "Cogslea," a property in the Mount Airy neighborhood of Philadelphia. The studio, which she shared with fellow artists Jessie Willcox Smith and Elizabeth Shippen Green, became a center of artistic activity and mentorship.

The three women, known as the "Red Rose Girls" for the roses that grew at their home, formed one of the most successful artistic collaborations of the early 20th century.

Activism and Later Life

Beyond her art, Oakley was passionate about international peace and women's suffrage. She attended the League of Nations conferences in Geneva and created artwork supporting the peace movement.

She continued working into her eighties and died in Philadelphia in 1961. Her estate and many works are preserved at the Woodmere Art Museum in Philadelphia.

Legacy

Violet Oakley's contributions include:

• Breaking barriers for women in public art commissions
• Creating some of the most significant murals in Pennsylvania history
• Influencing generations of Philadelphia artists
• Advancing the mural arts tradition that continues in Philadelphia today through the Mural Arts Program

See Also

• Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
• Mount Airy
• Woodmere Art Museum
• Mural Arts Program