Charles Edward Chambers was a classical painter representative of the old school. His technique was impeccable, anatomy perfect, compositions compelling, and color harmonious. One could infer from his polish that he was a product of the French Academy, with years of classical training.

Yet he was born in Ottumwa, Iowa, in 1883; his training was at the Chicago Institute and in New York at the Art Students League with George Bridgman. In fact, one of his important teachers was Fanny Munsell, who later became his wife. She was an accomplished illustrator in her own right as a contributor to Cosmopolitan, Woman's Home Companion, and other national magazines. Chambers clearly modeled his style and technique on hers. Unfortuna...