William Clothier Engle, who graduated from the Westtown School in 1910, died of tuberculosis before he could bring to life a painting he envisioned, writes Mark E. Dixon for the Main Line Today.
Chadds Ford’s N.C. Wyeth, father of Andrew, was commissioned by the deceased painter’s former classmates to create a tribute to be hung in the school’s dining room.
“Bill had always meant to execute a scene like this of children by the sea, looking up into the clouds,” said William Ellis Coale, a former classmate, after the painting was done. “But his early death precluded this, so that his old friend and master created this fitting memorial – and thus fulfilled the pupil’s dream.”
Wyeth’s painting The Giant is set in Beach Haven, a place closely associated with Engle. The artwork depicts six children gazing up at a monster wielding a club – a sight seemingly invisible to adults.
Five of the children are Wyeth’s own, including Andrew, who stands closest to the sea. The sixth child, wearing a white cap, is believed to represent Engle.
The painting hangs in the cafeteria at Westtown School.
Read more about ‘The Giant’ painting by Chadds Ford’s N.C. Wyeth as a tribute to another artist in the Main Line Today.
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