Artist:
N.C. Wyeth
(American, 1882 - 1945)
Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address, study or alternate design
Medium: Charcoal on paper
Date: 1945
Dimensions:
sheet: 16 x 13 1/2 in. (40.6 x 34.2 cm
Private collection
Accession number: SUPP2000.1206
Research Number: NCW: 1206
Inscribedno marks
ProvenanceThe artist; Mrs. N. C. Wyeth; Carolyn Wyeth; (Frank E. Fowler); Mr. Jerry Wentling, Walnut Creek, PA, to 1982; (San Francisco, CA, California Book Auctions, 1982, lot no. 364); Collection of Wendy and Alan C. Wasserman, 1982-2012; (Philadelphia, PA, Freeman's, February 2, 2012, lot no. 157);
Exhibition HistoryRockland, ME, 2000, illustration in color, fig. 7
Curatorial RemarksThe genesis of this composition is explained in the undated draft of a letter to Sidney Mendelsohn of American Artists Company (Wyeth Family Archives, prior to April 1945). "...It strikes me most emphatically that it would be a pity not to place the face and figure of Lincoln in the open air and therefore be able to use the effect of sun which so (phenomenally ?) lighted up his face and figure when he began his address. This strangely impressive and significant manifestation was noted by so many who attended the inaugural. Since then the incident has taken on an even more symbolic meaning...."
The Brandywine River Museum holds the final composition drawing (NCW 2045, 96.1.533) for this commission and NCW 1205 is the completed painting.
The Brandywine River Museum holds the final composition drawing (NCW 2045, 96.1.533) for this commission and NCW 1205 is the completed painting.
Image Source for printed Catalogue Raisonne:photography directly from artwork