Artist:
N.C. Wyeth
(American, 1882 - 1945)
The Story of Silk
Medium: Oil on hardboard (Renaissance Panel)
Date: 1940
Dimensions:
28 × 26 1/2 in. (71.1 × 67.3 cm)
Collection of Joel and Suzanne Sugg
Accession number: SUPP2000.829
Research Number: NCW: 829
InscribedLower left: N. C. WYETH (underlined); on reverse, Renaissance Panel label no. 822, prepared 10/27/1939; gummed label on frame liner: 840112 Robert C. Findlay / N. C. Wyeth Gold; gold celluloid label on frame liner: ..F/..H DAKOTA/...67
ProvenanceJohn Morrell & Company, Ottumwa, IA; gift to The University of South Dakota, 1941; (Frank E. Fowler, Lookout Mountain, TN); Robert and Carole Findlay, 1984-1992; (Randall House, Santa Barbara, CA, 1992)
Exhibition HistoryNewport News, VA, 2000
References
Milo Dailey, "Given to University by John Morrell & Co. Collection of N. C. Wyeth Paintings Hanging in USD School of Business" Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan, Sept. 13, 1972, p. 19; Douglas Allen and Douglas Allen, Jr., N. C. Wyeth, The Collected Paintings, Illustrations and Murals (New York: Crown Publishers, 1972), ps. 156, 291; Christine B. Podmaniczky, N. C. Wyeth, A Catalogue Raisonné of Paintings (London: Scala, 2008), C.139, p. 684
Curatorial RemarksThis may have been the second composition to depict "the story of silk"--the first being shown in NCW 1539, a drawing of the silk caravans crossing the Himalayas. Clearly the opportunity for richer color rested with the second idea.
Image Source for printed Catalogue Raisonne:Transparency
Photo Credit:Gregg L. Vicik, 8/2000