Art in the Collection - Crayon Portrait from Life, E. W. Simpson, 1888

This crayon portrait was drawn by E. W. Simpson of Christiansburg in 1888. Simpson was likely Edwin W. Simpson, the son of A. D. and Eliza Simpson. His father farmed and the family likely lived near Hans Meadow (the corner of modern-day Roanoke and Depot streets).

On reverse, this artwork is labeled "....Simpson, Christiansburg, Va." and "C--- [Crayon] Portrait Class, 1. Study from life." This class is thought to have been part of the curriculum at the Montgomery Male Academy since the subject is a young man in a cadet-style uniform. The careful blending of this portrait renders the sitter's form softly, capturing the light in the model's eyes as he glances to the artist.

The Montgomery Male Academy was opened by the Presbytery of Montgomery County in 1850. Rev. Nicholas Chevalier (the pastor of Christiansburg Presbyterian Church) and Christiansburg physician Dr. Joseph Edie were initial leaders of the effort and William C. Hagan became the first principal. The school, which served only white boys, closed about 1899.

(Gift of Wilderness Road Regional Museum)