Artist:
N.C. Wyeth
(American, 1882 - 1945)
Sitter:
Hildegarde Bockius
Untitled (study for Navajo herder in the foothills)
Alternate Title(s):Study for The Sheep Herder
Medium: Pencil on paper
Date: 1908
Dimensions:
7 1/8 × 6 5/8 in. (18.1 × 16.8 cm)
Brandywine River Museum of Art, Museum purchase with funds from the Betsey James Wyeth Fund, 2012
Accession number: 2012.5
Label Copy:
This is a rare example of a finished drawing for an early painting, hardly any of which are known to exist. Wyeth did pose family members dressed in Native American costume for photography—such photos still exist in the Wyeth Family Archives--but this is the first composition drawing to come to light showing a family member in costume. In the painting (NCW 10, I.260), Wyeth reworked the facial features of the herder, but most of the details in the drawing are transferred exactly.
The drawing descended in the Bockius family; the figure has been identified as Hildegarde Bockius (1894-1984), a younger sister of Carolyn Bockius Wyeth. When old enough, she often helped Mrs. N. C. Wyeth with her children and household chores. Letters N. C. Wyeth wrote to his family during October 1908 confirm that Hildegarde stayed with the family on weekends.
This is a rare example of a finished drawing for an early painting, hardly any of which are known to exist. Wyeth did pose family members dressed in Native American costume for photography—such photos still exist in the Wyeth Family Archives--but this is the first composition drawing to come to light showing a family member in costume. In the painting (NCW 10, I.260), Wyeth reworked the facial features of the herder, but most of the details in the drawing are transferred exactly.
The drawing descended in the Bockius family; the figure has been identified as Hildegarde Bockius (1894-1984), a younger sister of Carolyn Bockius Wyeth. When old enough, she often helped Mrs. N. C. Wyeth with her children and household chores. Letters N. C. Wyeth wrote to his family during October 1908 confirm that Hildegarde stayed with the family on weekends.
Research Number: NCW: 2644
InscribedInscribed on backing board: Hildegarde Bockius / I posed for Convers when I was twelve years old / at Chadds Ford, Pa. / For "The Sheep Herder" / a study. / To Nancy Lee Kent; On a small handwritten card accompanying the drawing: For Nancy Lee Kent / from Granny B. / Christmas Greetings
ProvenanceAnnie Brenneman Bockius; Gift to Nancy Lee Kent and descended in family to 2012; (St. Petersburg, FL, Central Gallery, 2012);
Curatorial RemarksThis is a rare example of a finished drawing for an early painting, hardly any of which are known to exist. Wyeth did pose family members dressed in native American costume for photography--such photos still exist in the Wyeth Family Archives--but this is the first composition drawing to come to light showing a family member in costume. In the painting (NCW 10, I.260), Wyeth reworked the facial features of the herder, but most of the details in the drawing are transferred exactly.
Hildegarde Bockius (1894-1984) was a younger sister of Carolyn Bockius Wyeth, and when old enough, often helped Mrs. N. C. Wyeth with her children and household chores. While letters N. C. Wyeth wrote to his family during October 1908, confirm that Hildegarde stayed with the family on weekends, none specifically mention that she posed for him.
Hildegarde Bockius (1894-1984) was a younger sister of Carolyn Bockius Wyeth, and when old enough, often helped Mrs. N. C. Wyeth with her children and household chores. While letters N. C. Wyeth wrote to his family during October 1908, confirm that Hildegarde stayed with the family on weekends, none specifically mention that she posed for him.
Image Source for printed Catalogue Raisonne:digital photography directly from art work
Photo Credit:Rick Echelmeyer