(American, 1882 - 1945)

The pledge

1921

39 1/2 × 32 1/4 in. (100.3 × 81.9 cm)

76.10

Gift of the Estate of Louisa d'A. Carpenter, 1976

Not on view

In preparation for this commission, Wyeth read an undated edition of The Scottish Chiefs published by Thomas D. Crowell Company, New York, and illustrated with photographs of Scottish scenery (Brandywine Museum of Art, NCWS.95.184). He also had in his studio reference library the eight volume Scottish Highlands, Highland Clans and Highland Regiments published by Fullerton & Co. of Edinburgh (BRMA, NCWS.95.232.1-.8).

The Scottish Chiefs is a novel set in late 13^th and early 14^th centuries during the revolt of Scottish nobility against the rule of Edward I of England. With brilliant color and a visually arresting composition based on a myriad of intersecting lines, Wyeth tried to suggest the sound made as Wallace and his men pledged to fight Edward to the death.