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Violet Oakley: A Passion for Beauty, a Passion for Truth
December 6, 2010
In 1939 a small but beautiful book titled Christ My Refuge: One of the Seven Hymns by Mary Baker Eddy was published by the Trustees under the Will of Mary Baker Eddy. The text in this unique volume is embellished with vibrant, colorful illuminations. An “Appreciation” by the publishers notes that “The healing truths in the poems by Mary Baker Eddy used as hymns in the Christian Science Hymnal serve to uplift faith and to heal humanity,” continuing:
With deep appreciation of the healing message in her hymns this volume presents in radiant vesture the words of the much-loved hymn, “Christ My Refuge,” conjoining the Science expressed in the hymn with the richness of illuminative art.
(See also the Christian Science Sentinel, vol. 42, p. 151.)
Violet Oakley. Photograph courtesy of the
Library of Congress.
The artist who illuminated the text of Mrs. Eddy’s poem was Violet Oakley, one of the most popular illustrators in the United States at that time, a talented stained glass designer, and the first major woman muralist in the country. She was also a Christian Scientist.
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