Artist:
N.C. Wyeth
(American, 1882 - 1945)
"In the morning I took the Bible; and beginning at the New Testament, I began seriously to read it--"
Alternate Title(s):In the Cave
Medium: Oil on canvas
Date: 1920
Dimensions:
40 3/4 × 30 1/4 in. (103.5 × 76.8 cm)
Private collection, PA
Accession number: SUPP2000.1236
Research Number: NCW: 1236
InscribedLower left: N. C. WYETH
ProvenanceThe artist to 1923; The Wilmington Institute Library, Wilmington, Delaware, 1923-2009; (Christie's, New York, NY, Dec. 2, 2009, lot no. 130; after auction sale)
Exhibition HistoryPhiladelphia, PA, 1921; poss. Boston, MA, Boston Public Library, April 1923; Harrisburg, PA, 1965, no. 95, as "In the Cave"; Wilmington, DE, 1981
References
Douglas Allen and Douglas Allen, Jr., N. C. Wyeth, The Collected Paintings, Illustrations and Murals (New York: Crown Publishers, Inc., 1972), p. 203; Kate F. Jennings, N. C. Wyeth (New York: Brompton Books Corp., Crescent Books, 1992), illustration in color p. 60; Christine B. Podmaniczky, N. C. Wyeth, A Catalogue Raisonné of Paintings (London: Scala, 2008), I.816, p. 405
Curatorial RemarksThe Wilmington Institute Library holds letters to and from the artist regarding the purchase of the Robinson Crusoe paintings. In October, 1921, the Library trustees offered the artist $2,000 for 12 paintings, which were paid for when the paintings were installed in the Children's Room of the new building at 10th and Market Streets in early May 1923 (see letters between NCW and Arthur L. Bailey, Oct. 26, 1921 through May 9, 1923, collection of Wilmington Institute Library).
Image Source for printed Catalogue Raisonne:Transparency directly from painting
Photo Credit:Rick Echelmeyer, 12/1/1999