Artist:
N.C. Wyeth
(American, 1882 - 1945)
The American Mother, composition drawing
Medium: Charcoal on paper
Date: 1941
Dimensions:
approximately 22 1/2 × 17 in. (57.2 × 43.2 cm)
Private collection
Accession number: SUPP2000.2624
Research Number: NCW: 2624
Inscribedlower left: N. C. WYETH
ProvenanceThe artist; descended in family
Curatorial RemarksIn April 1941, Wyeth received a letter from the manager of Squibb's merchandising department with the following commission: "What I should like most of all is to leave you free to create a picture built around the theme of the mother and her interest and concern in the health and welfare of the family" (Clyde Eddy to NCW, 4/17/1941, Wyeth Family Archives). Archival material (1941 income tax notes) identifies the models as Wyeth's daughter Ann and her son John Denys McCoy. The Brandywine River Museum holds a lantern slide (NCWS.95.1825.202) made from the drawing and used in the transfer of the image from paper to panel (NCW 312).
Image Source for printed Catalogue Raisonne:photography directly from artwork
Photo Credit:courtesy of owner