Portrait of Contemporary Nantucket Artist Presented at Ceremony
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ON MONDAY MORNING, September 10, at an interesting and quiet ceremony at the Peter Foulger Museum, the portrait of a well-known Nantucket artist — John Egle — was presented to the Nantucket Historical Association by Leeds Mitchell, Jr. The colorful portrait in oils was only recently completed by Mary Sarg Murphy, who was also on hand to receive deserved praise for her highly successful work. Of especial moment was the fact the Captain Egle, who will be 98 years of age on his next birthday, was present to enjoy the occasion and to hear the many expressions of pleasure by his friends on hand. Mr. Mitchell made the presentation of the portrait, and the in troduction of Mary Sarg Murphy and Mr. Egle then took place. The ar tist has been a summer resident for a number of years and first came to the Island with her father, the famous illustrator and puppeteer, Tony Sarg, and has many friends on Nantucket. The portrait is a remarkably faithful study of John Egle, glowing in color and warm with the per sonality of the subject. Mr. Egle responded to the applause of the gathering by expressing his "great pleasure for the honor of having such a testimonial by his friends", and declaring he was not conscious of the weight of over nine ty years. In his retirement from an active life, he has devoted much of his time to paintings on a variety of subjects, enjoying to the fullest this new medium which has earned him the title of Nantucket's "Grandma Moses". In presenting the portrait, Mr. Mitchell paid tribute to John Egle as a warm human being and friend. He stated it was an especial pleasure to have Mary Sarg Murphy create this "unique bit of artistry in captur ing the warmth and enthusiasm of a man I have always admired". On behalf of the Nantucket Historical Association, the portrait was accepted with appreciation by Edouard A. Stackpole, the Director of the Peter Foulger Museum.
