Artist:
N.C. Wyeth
(American, 1882 - 1945)
Peace, Commerce, Prosperity (map of North and South America)
Medium: Oil on canvas
Date: 1923
Dimensions:
317 × 190 in. (805.2 × 482.6 cm)
Peabody Essex Museum, Gift of the First National Bank of Boston, 1982
M19085
Accession number: SUPP2000.1184
Research Number: NCW: 1184
InscribedTo right of door edge, along bottom of canvas: N. C. WYETH / -1923-
ProvenanceFirst National Bank of Boston, to 1982
References
"The Mural Map, An Interview with the Painter N. C. Wyeth," pamphlet published by the First National Bank of Boston, n.d.; Francis W. Hatch, "Sole Witness to the Wyeth Canal," Yankee Magazine, Sept. 1970, illustration p. 46; "Forgotten Wyeth mural towers over bank lobby," The Providence Journal-Bulletin, p. 1, section E, Dec. 17, 1997, color illustration; Christine B. Podmaniczky, N. C. Wyeth, A Catalogue Raisonné of Paintings (London: Scala, 2008), M.21, p. 606
Curatorial Remarks"The accuracy of the maps and charts was adhered to according to the best knowledge obtainable, but the cartographer's real delight came from peopling the remote lands with stange men and beasts, and the seas with prodigious and scaly monsters....The present map represents an effort to re-create somewhat of this spirit....Its illuminations are entirely original yet frankly based upon the character and spirit of the ancient maps" (from "The Mural Map, An Interview with the Painter N. C. Wyeth," pamphlet published by the First National Bank of Boston).
Although this work is dated 1923, it was not installed until the late spring of 1924, according to the recollections of Francis W. Hatch. In a 1970 article, Hatch recalled that he had watched as Wyeth split his completed canvas horizontally and added a new strip of canvas in order to lengthen the overall design, which had been too short for the designated space by approximately three inches.
Bank of America's collection includes photographs of the mural in situ taken by Margaret Bourke-White on Oct. 29, 1929. The mural was removed from its position in the building at 67 Milk Street, Boston, in 1972, and later installed at One Financial Plaza, Providence, RI, where a false door was added to fill space conceived for the original composition. In 2019, the mural was installed in the Peabody Essex Museum.
Although this work is dated 1923, it was not installed until the late spring of 1924, according to the recollections of Francis W. Hatch. In a 1970 article, Hatch recalled that he had watched as Wyeth split his completed canvas horizontally and added a new strip of canvas in order to lengthen the overall design, which had been too short for the designated space by approximately three inches.
Bank of America's collection includes photographs of the mural in situ taken by Margaret Bourke-White on Oct. 29, 1929. The mural was removed from its position in the building at 67 Milk Street, Boston, in 1972, and later installed at One Financial Plaza, Providence, RI, where a false door was added to fill space conceived for the original composition. In 2019, the mural was installed in the Peabody Essex Museum.
Image Source for printed Catalogue Raisonne:
Photo Credit: