N. C. Wyeth's Studio, Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania

In 1911, with the proceeds from the Treasure Island commission, N. C. Wyeth purchased eighteen acres of land in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. That same year, he had a house and studio constructed on the hilly site that overlooked the Brandywine River valley. In this early view of the studio, one sees how the siting of the building, with its huge Palladian-style north light, sat at the top of the property. In a letter to his brother Edwin, dated Jan. 22, 1912, the artist wrote, "The one step I have taken is the placing and laying of a flag stone flight of stairs....the carpenters during their long summer's passing up and down the embankment between the house and the studio...determined the line of least resistance which has proven a most joyous and practical little flight of stairs...." This was N. C. Wyeth’s "commute" to work.