By Frank Xavier Leyendecker
Located in Fort Washington, PA
Illustration for “The First Works” by Basil King as part of the series “The Everlasting Doors” for Cosmopolitan, published July 1920, pages 38-39.
In his series “The Everlasting Doors,” Basil King delves into his belief that humanity underestimates its own psychic powers. King expresses a profound desire to rediscover the “lost laws of the universe,” believing these ancient principles could lead to remarkable advancements, including “the abolishing of Death and other wonders.”
Enhancing the published text was Frank Leyenecker’s dramatic illustration, which framed and decorated the pages. Leyendecker presumably later added the poetic lines, “Relax and lay your head on my shoulder. Give me your hand and I will lead you on. We cannot make mistakes because the light is too strong to allow of anyone missing the way,” to fill in the white space, transforming the painting into a more complete and visually resonant artwork.
Signature: Signed Lower Right: F X Leyendecker...
Category
1910s Frank Xavier Leyendecker Art