What Do You See? The Collection of Sidney Rothberg, Part III

Provenance:

The Artist.

Collection of Martha Schell Caskey (the Artist's niece).

By descent in the family.

Collection of Sutherland McColley (the grandson of the above).

Freeman's, Philadelphia, sale of December 12, 1996, lot 733.

Acquired directly from the above sale.

Literature:

Musical America, January 22, 1921, p. 34.

The Etude, vol. XXXIX, no. 3, March 1921, n.p..

Randall C. Griffin, Thomas Anshutz: Artist and Teacher, Seattle, WA: The University of Washington Press, 1994, p. 75.

Lot Essay:

Francis Cresson Schell was a distinguished artist and musician whose influence spanned both the visual and performing arts. He studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts under renowned instructors Thomas Eakins and Thomas Anschutz, later joining the Academy as an instructor himself. Schell worked as an artist and art director for Leslie’s Weekly, where he created numerous illustrations of significant historical events, including the Spanish-American War. His artworks are held in prestigious collections such as the Philadelphia Sketch Club, the Library of Congress, and the White House.

Beyond his artistic achievements, Schell was an accomplished pianist and a passionate advocate for music. In 1900, he played a pivotal role in founding the Philadelphia Orchestra alongside a small group of dedicated musicians, serving as its first leader. This musical legacy is one reason why Rothberg acquired Schell’s portrait; music was a central part of his life, and he often attended Philadelphia Orchestra concerts with his daughter, Saranne.