Nightfall, composition drawing

Artist:

N.C. Wyeth

(American, 1882 - 1945)

Nightfall, composition drawing

Medium: Charcoal on heavy paper
Date: ca. 1944
Dimensions:
original sheet: 35 1/4 × 42 1/16 in. (89.5 × 106.8 cm)
The Andrew and Betsy Wyeth Collection
Accession number: SUPP2000.1110
Research Number: NCW: 1110
InscribedLower right: N. C. W.-
ProvenanceThe artist; descended in family
Curatorial RemarksThe alterations to this sheet show how the artist arrived at his final design. A piece of paper measuring 18 x 24 3/4 inches has been inset into the upper two thirds of the design, indicating that the artist eliminated and then redrew the two main figures and the background buildings. The sure hard outline around the farmer suggests he traced the figure from another drawing. A rectangle drawn in charcoal focuses the design and approximates the painted image.
Image Source for printed Catalogue Raisonne:b/w photo from slide on file (photo by Rick Echelmeyer, 5/2004)