New Trails

Artist:

N.C. Wyeth

(American, 1882 - 1945)

New Trails

Medium: Oil on canvas adhered to hardboard
Date: 1934
Dimensions:
51 × 86 3/8 in. (129.5 × 219.4 cm)
Private collection
Accession number: SUPP2000.1153
Research Number: NCW: 1153
InscribedLower right: N. C. WYETH (underlined); at bottom edge below group of three pioneers: N. C. WYETH (underlined); on reverse: N. C. Wyeth / Painted for the Hercules Powder Co. / 1934
ProvenanceHercules Powder Company, Inc. (Hercules Incorporated), Wilmington, DE, 1934-2002; (Christie's, New York, NY, lot no. 55, April 25, 2002)
References Douglas Allen and Douglas Allen, Jr., N. C. Wyeth, The Collected Paintings, Illustrations and Murals (New York: Crown Publishers, 1972), p. 153; Bob Strauss, Beverly Strauss, American Sporting Advertising, Vol. I, Posters and Calendars (Jefferson, ME: Circus Promotions Corp., 1987), HE-22; Christine B. Podmaniczky, N. C. Wyeth, A Catalogue Raisonné of Paintings (London: Scala, 2008), C.97, p. 669
Curatorial RemarksOriginally the painting was executed as an oil on canvas measuring approximately 51 x 35 inches. Subsequent to its reproduction, about 25 inches of canvas were added at both the right and left sides to extend the landscape; the only significant change to the midsection was the addition of the chevron of geese. No explanation for the enlargement has been discovered. A composition drawing (NCW 1515) is privately held.
The Brandywine River Museum holds a full size blank calendar on which Wyeth drew an initial sketch of the design.
Image Source for printed Catalogue Raisonne:Digital photography directly from painting
Photo Credit:Paul Mutino Photography, 11/2006