Charles Keck


Charles Keck was an American sculptor from New York City, New York.

Early life and education

Keck studied at the National Academy of Design and the Art Students League of New York with Philip Martiny, and was an assistant to Augustus Saint-Gaudens from 1893 to 1898. He also attended the American Academy in Rome. In 1921 he was elected into the National Academy of Design as an Associate member and became a full Academician in 1928. He is best known for his monuments and architectural sculpture. His work was also part of the sculpture event in the art competition at the 1932 Summer Olympics. His interment was located at Fishkill Rural cemetery.

Career

Architectural sculpture

In 1913 Keck designed a memorial plaque that was cast from metal that had been salvaged from the after it was raised in Havana harbor the previous year. Over a thousand of the plaques were cast and they are spread unevenly all over the United States. In 1931, Keck completed the Great Seals of the Commonwealth of Virginia which had been commissioned by the Commonwealth. The obverse of the seal is still used and appears on the state flag.

Numismatic works

  • 1915-S Panama-Pacific Exposition Gold Dollar
  • 1927 Vermont, Battle of Bennington Sesquicentennial Half Dollar
  • 1936 Lynchburg Sesquicentennial Half Dollar

    Other works

  • Letters and Science, Columbia University, New York City, 1915 and 1925