The First Kentucky Derby

Artist:

N.C. Wyeth

(American, 1882 - 1945)

The First Kentucky Derby

Alternate Title(s):What whiskey was born 10 years before the first Kentucky Derby?
Date: ca. 1935
Dimensions:
dimensions unavailable
Presumed destroyed
Accession number: SUPP2000.1321
Research Number: NCW: 1321
References Douglas Allen and Douglas Allen, Jr., N. C. Wyeth, The Collected Paintings, Illustrations and Murals (New York: Crown Publishers, 1972), ps. 153, 294, and illustration in b/w p. 152; Christine B. Podmaniczky, N. C. Wyeth, A Catalogue Raisonné of Paintings (London: Scala, 2008), C.102, p. 670
Curatorial RemarksTwo undated polaroid photographs of this painting, collected by Betsy James Wyeth, bear the inscription on the reverse "Kentucky Derby Club, Louisville, Kentucky." All research to date suggests that this painting was among many destroyed during renovations to Churchill Downs sometime during the 1950s (Lynn S. Renau, to Christine Podmaniczky, Aug. 31, 1993, and Matt Landrus to CBP, July 1, 1993, Brandywine River Museum).
Image Source for printed Catalogue Raisonne:photography directly from painting
Photo Credit:hardcover: (digital photography, Rick Echelmeyer, 10/23/2006)