Artist:
N.C. Wyeth
(American, 1882 - 1945)
The Husking Bee (Woman's Day Magazine, cover illustration)
Medium: Oil on hardboard (Renaissance Panel)
Date: 1941
Dimensions:
33 1/2 × 25 in. (85.1 × 63.5 cm)
Private collection
Accession number: SUPP2000.1868
Research Number: NCW: 1868
InscribedLower right: N. C. WYETH (underlined); on reverse of panel: The Husking Bee by N. C. Wyeth; Renaissance Panel label on reverse, dated 12/26/40 and numbered 961
ProvenanceWoman's Day Magazine; William Serio, and descended in family; (Christie's, New York, NY, Christie's, May 23, 2001, lot no. 89); Private collection; (New York, NY, Christie's, Nov. 30, 2011, lot no. 97, but did not sell); [New York, New York, Christie's, Dec. 5, 2013, lot no. 120]
Exhibition HistoryGreenville, DE, Somerville Manning Gallery, "N. C. Wyeth: Painter and Illustrator," June 14-Sept. 14, 2019;
References
Douglas Allen and Douglas Allen, Jr., N. C. Wyeth, The Collected Paintings, Illustrations and Murals (New York: Crown Publishers, Inc., 1972), p. 279; Christine B. Podmaniczky, N. C. Wyeth, A Catalogue Raisonné of Paintings (London: Scala, 2008), I.1308, p. 587-588
Curatorial RemarksThis painting was originally done as a cover illustration for Progressive Farmer Magazine, but editor Clarence Poe found fault with many details and ultimately refused to use it as is (Celia Mendelsohn of American Artists to NCW, Sept. 11, 1941 (second of two on that date, Wyeth Family Archives). Wyeth was given the opportunity to make the suggested changes or accept $100 for his efforts and keep the painting (letter dated Aug. 29, 1941 from Progressive Farmer, mailed to NCW by Celia Mendelsohn, American Artists, Sept. 11, 1941, Wyeth Family Archives). The Brandywine River Museum holds the composition drawing (NCW 2059, 96.1.507) and a lantern slide of the drawing (NCWS.95.1825.189) used in the transfer of the design from paper to panel.
Image Source for printed Catalogue Raisonne:photography directly from painting
Photo Credit:Courtesy of Christie's