Iris

Artist:

N.C. Wyeth

(American, 1882 - 1945)

Iris

Medium: Oil on canvas
Date: Date not known
Dimensions:
40 1/8 × 24 in. (101.9 × 61 cm)
Private collection
Accession number: SUPP2000.504
Research Number: NCW: 504
Inscribednone
ProvenanceHenriette Wyeth Hurd, San Patricio, NM; (?); Private collection, ME; Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. Fowler, 2000 - 2004;
References Christine B. Podmaniczky, N. C. Wyeth, Catalogue Raisonne of Paintings (London: Scala, 2008), S.31, p. 795
Curatorial RemarksAn old photograph of this painting (Brandywine River Museum, curatorial files) bears a label indicating that the painting was a study for a detail in "a mural in Wilmington," which must be the Apotheosis of the Family for the Wilmington Savings Fund Society (NCW 1103). It was unusual for Wyeth to make such large studies of botanical details and it is more likely that this painting is simply a study of iris. It is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity by Andrew Wyeth., and NCW 1460 is a pencil study of an iris on tracing paper, which may be related.
Iris seemed to be a particular favorite of the Wyeth family. Paintings of iris by Henriette Wyeth Hurd, Carolyn Wyeth, Andrew Wyeth and Jamie Wyeth are known.
Image Source for printed Catalogue Raisonne:transparency directly from painting
Photo Credit:transparency courtesy of Frank Fowler, 3/2002