Artist:
N.C. Wyeth
(American, 1882 - 1945)
Peter Stuyvesant
Medium: Oil on canvas
Date: 1926
Dimensions:
dimensions unavailable
disposition unknown
Accession number: SUPP2000.2467
Research Number: NCW: 2467
ProvenanceHotel Roosevelt, New York, NY
References
Christine B. Podmaniczky, N. C. Wyeth, A Catalogue Raisonné of Paintings (London: Scala, 2008), M.29, p. 611
Curatorial RemarksThis painting is mentioned in the artist's correspondence, and a partial view of it appears in an archival photograph found in the Ann Wyeth McCoy Papers ("N. C. Wyeth and Family Photos before 1945," Brandywine River Museum Library). The painting is also mentioned in a letter written by Henriette Wyeth to her grandfather, Andrew Newell Wyeth, dated Nov. 24, 1926 (AAA, reel 5125), "The two portraits of Stuyvesant and Hendrik Hudson were enthusiastically received at "the Roosevelt"--they were simply splendid, grogeous things, they are sure to be enjoyed and appreciated by all."
In May 1926, Wyeth was in New York, showing to Hotel architects sketches of a map and four portraits, "Peter Stuyvesant, his wife, Peter Minuet and a fourth lady..." (NCW to Andrew Newell Wyeth, May 10, 1926). The canvas is referenced in an October 18th letter to Andrew Newell Wyeth, "They say I am making great progress on ... a life size portrait of Peter Stuyvesant" (both letters Wyeth Family Archives).
The photograph shows part of the upper third of the canvas, enough to determine that the image directly relates to a smaller gouache version in the Brandywine Rive Museum collection (NCW896, 96.1.60). The painting is in a frame typical of those made by Wilmington, Delaware, carver Frank A. Coll.
Wyeth's likeness of Stuyvesant bears a striking resemblance to the only known portrait of Stuyvesant done from life, a painting by Hendrick Couturier that was given to the New York Historical Society in 1909 by Robert Van Rensselaer Stuyvesant. But a reproduction of the Couturier portrait has not been found among the clippings Wyeth saved, nor has one been found in a book in his library.
In May 1926, Wyeth was in New York, showing to Hotel architects sketches of a map and four portraits, "Peter Stuyvesant, his wife, Peter Minuet and a fourth lady..." (NCW to Andrew Newell Wyeth, May 10, 1926). The canvas is referenced in an October 18th letter to Andrew Newell Wyeth, "They say I am making great progress on ... a life size portrait of Peter Stuyvesant" (both letters Wyeth Family Archives).
The photograph shows part of the upper third of the canvas, enough to determine that the image directly relates to a smaller gouache version in the Brandywine Rive Museum collection (NCW896, 96.1.60). The painting is in a frame typical of those made by Wilmington, Delaware, carver Frank A. Coll.
Wyeth's likeness of Stuyvesant bears a striking resemblance to the only known portrait of Stuyvesant done from life, a painting by Hendrick Couturier that was given to the New York Historical Society in 1909 by Robert Van Rensselaer Stuyvesant. But a reproduction of the Couturier portrait has not been found among the clippings Wyeth saved, nor has one been found in a book in his library.
Image Source for printed Catalogue Raisonne:1. archival photograph
Photo Credit:1. Ann Wyeth McCoy Papers ("N. C. Wyeth and family photos before 1945"), Brandywine River Museum library