Elsie Whitaker Martinez facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elsie Whitaker Martinez
|
|
|---|---|
This portrait of Elsie Whitaker was taken around 1907 by Laura Adams Armer.
|
|
| Born |
Elsie Whitaker
March 1, 1890 Manitoba, Canada
|
| Died | January 31, 1984 (aged 93) San Francisco, California, United States
|
| Known for | Bohemian artist, muse |
| Spouse(s) | Xavier Martinez |
| Children | Micaela Martinez DuCasse |
| Parent(s) |
|
Elsie Whitaker Martinez (born March 1, 1890 – died January 31, 1984) was known for her beauty throughout her life. She was an inspiration, or "muse," for many famous writers and artists. Elsie was also connected to most people in the "Bohemian" community of Northern California. This community included artists and writers who lived in a free and unconventional way. A poet named George Sterling even called her "the Blessed Damozel."
About Elsie's Life
Elsie Whitaker was born on March 1, 1890, in Manitoba, Canada. Her father was Herman Whitaker, a novelist and war reporter.
In 1902, Elsie and her family moved to the hills of Piedmont, California. By the time she was 16, Elsie was already a free-spirited artist.
Meeting Xavier Martinez
Elsie met the painter Xavier Martinez at Coppa's Restaurant in San Francisco. Martinez thought Elsie would be a perfect subject for his art. He began sketching her and started a series of artworks featuring her.
After the big earthquake of 1906, Martinez moved to Piedmont. A few months later, he asked 18-year-old Elsie to marry him. Elsie had many admirers, but she chose Martinez. She said she picked him because she believed he would give her the most interesting life. Martinez was 37 at the time, just two years younger than Elsie's father. They got married in October 1907.
Family Life
Elsie Whitaker Martinez and Xavier Martinez had a daughter named Micaela Martinez. She was born on August 13, 1913. Micaela later became a talented artist herself.
Micaela studied art with different teachers, including Victor Arnautoff and Ralph Stackpole. She also learned stone carving from Ruth Cravath. In 1944, Micaela married artist Ralph DuCasse and changed her name to Micaela Martinez DuCasse.
Later Years
In the early 1960s, Elsie was interviewed a lot for a special project. This project was about the history of art and culture in the San Francisco Bay Area. These interviews helped record her memories and experiences.
After living for many years in Carmel, Elsie moved to San Francisco in 1981.
She passed away on January 31, 1984, at St. Anne's Home in San Francisco. She was 93 years old. Elsie Martinez is buried at San Carlos Cemetery in Monterey, California.
