Artist:
Henriette Wyeth
(American, 1907 - 1997)
Sitter:
Mrs. N. C. Wyeth
Portrait of Mrs. N. C. Wyeth
Medium: Oil on canvas
Date: 1929
Dimensions:
40 1/4 × 36 3/16 in. (102.2 × 91.9 cm)
Accession number: 96.1.270
Copyright: © artist, artist's estate, or other rights holders
Label Copy:
Henriette Wyeth’s talents as an artist were recognized as early as age sixteen when she began painting family members and receiving portrait commissions from prominent residents of Pennsylvania and Delaware. In this bold, beautifully designed depiction of her mother, Wyeth demonstrates her adoption of a Modernist decorative approach as well as her desire to express a connection with her subject. The artist lavishes attention on the textiles and clothing, particularly focusing on the silk turquoise lining of the fur coat that covers her mother’s chair. The rich floral background represents her mother’s love of flowers. Mrs. Wyeth’s serious expression seems in contrast to the exuberant color and textures, adding a touch of delicacy to the portrayal.
Curatorial RemarksBoth Ann Wyeth McCoy and Andrew Wyeth recalled that Henriette must have painted this work about 1929 or 1930. A confirmation of these recollections is contained in a letter written by N. C. Wyeth, "Which reminds me, that I gave you a wrong impression when I said Henriette was painting mama--I meant her (underline) mother. It is a splendid portrait too!" (NCW to Andrew Newell Wyeth, "It has been almost torture for me to-day..." dated by NCW at the end Feb. 1, 1929, Wyeth Family Archives).