The Recipe Book

In this unusual portrait by her husband, Carolyn Bockius Wyeth appears to be occupied with her baking, paying no attention to the artist in the room. Painted during an experimental phase of his career, Wyeth expressively toys with perspective in this composition. The wall behind Mrs. Wyeth tilts backward, and the cabinetry leans in toward her. The tabletop in front of her is tipped up, allowing us to see inside her mixing bowl. Mrs. Wyeth seems, at first, inappropriately dressed for the snowy landscape beyond the window. Despite the winter weather outside, Mrs. Wyeth’s baking has no doubt raised the temperature of the small kitchen in the Wyeth’s Chadds Ford home.