Artist:
N.C. Wyeth
(American, 1882 - 1945)
Sharpshooters
Alternate Title(s):Confederate Sharpshooters
Medium: Oil on canvas
Date: 1912
Dimensions:
approximately 36 x 25 in. (91.4 x 63.4 cm)
Location unknown
Accession number: SUPP2000.1296
Research Number: NCW: 1296
InscribedLower left: N. C. WYETH (underlined)
ProvenanceCollection of Mrs. Alfred Guttormsen, Los Gatos, CA, to at least 1959; (?); (Shadow Hills Antiques and Art Gallery, Tustin, CA, 1974)
Exhibition HistorySan Francisco, CA, California Palace of the Legion of Honor, "N. C. Wyeth," July 17 - Sept. 18, 1958
References
Betsy James Wyeth, ed., The Wyeths, The Letters of N. C. Wyeth, 1901-1945 (Boston: Gambit, 1971), p. 412; Douglas Allen and Douglas Allen, Jr., N. C. Wyeth, The Collected Paintings, Illustrations and Murals (New York: Crown Publishers, 1972), p. 208; Christine B. Podmaniczky, N. C. Wyeth, A Catalogue Raisonné of Paintings (London: Scala, 2008), I.374, p. 241
Curatorial RemarksFrom the following letter written in August, 1911, it is clear that Wyeth must have used Miller's "Photographic History of the Civil War," published in 1911, as a reference for the Cease Firing images. "Chadds Ford, Pa. / (to) Review of Reviews Co., New York City / Dear Sirs / It is far beyond any of my words to tell you what the "Photographic History of the Civil War" means to me. To be drawn so intimately in touch with those stirring days is like realizing an extravagant dream! - The impression made upon me is deep and profound and I feel highly grateful for the revelation. I don't know how to thank you! Furthermore, being an illustrator, the books are invaluable as a source of information. / Yours sincerely, / N. C. Wyeth." The ten volumes are catalogued in the studio library (NCWS.95.94).
Image Source for printed Catalogue Raisonne:Digital photography from b/w photograph of painting (Brandywine River Museum, catalogue raisonne files)
Photo Credit:Rick Echelmeyer, 9/20/2006