Artist:
N.C. Wyeth
(American, 1882 - 1945)
The despair of Amyas
Medium: Oil on canvas
Date: 1920
Dimensions:
40 1/2 × 30 in. (102.9 × 76.2 cm)
U. S. Navy Art Collection
Accession number: SUPP2000.1312
Research Number: NCW: 1312
InscribedLower right: To Thos. W McKnew / From / JOHN OLIVER / LA GORCE / from N. C. WYETH (Wyeth signature in blue and underlined; remaining inscription in brown); attached to reverse and incapsulated in mylar, Scribner's copyright label, with the following typed in: Wyeth, N. C. / The Despair of Amyas. / WESTWARD HO! / Facing Page 679. / (begin printed section of label) THIS COPYRIGHTED PICTURE, etc.); in upper right of this label, a sticker: 63
ProvenanceThe artist to ca. 1926; John Oliver La Gorce; Thomas W. McKnew; Naval Historical Foundation, 1992, Gift of Mrs. Lenore (Thomas W.) McKnew
References
Douglas Allen and Douglas Allen, Jr., N. C. Wyeth, The Collected Paintings, Illustrations and Murals (New York: Crown Publishers, Inc., 1972), p. 209; Christine B. Podmaniczky, N. C. Wyeth, A Catalogue Raisonné of Paintings (London: Scala, 2008), I.841, p. 414-415
Curatorial RemarksIn preparation for this commission, the artist read and annotated an edition published by Thomas Nelson & Sons, London, 1907 (Brandywine River Museum library # 22481). In his research on galleons of the period, Wyeth had assistance from fellow Pyle student Sidney M. Chase, who provided him with books and prints from the Haverhill, Massachusetts, public library (NCW to SMC, Dec. 27, 1919, WFA). According to Scribner's records, all paintings in the set were the property of the artist and returned to him on Aug. 19, 1921. Scribner's paid Wyeth $3,500 for the commission.
Wyeth's gift to John Oliver LaGorce is referred to in a letter to LaGorce dated by NCW "May ? 1926," (National Geographic Society, Washington, DC).
Wyeth's gift to John Oliver LaGorce is referred to in a letter to LaGorce dated by NCW "May ? 1926," (National Geographic Society, Washington, DC).
Image Source for printed Catalogue Raisonne:Transparency directly from painting
Photo Credit:Greg Staley, 6/2005