I could see only his shaggy head, as huge as a beer-kettle.

Artist:

N.C. Wyeth

(American, 1882 - 1945)

I could see only his shaggy head, as huge as a beer-kettle.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Date: 1904
Dimensions:
dimensions unavailable
known by reproduction only
Accession number: SUPP2000.1576
Research Number: NCW: 1576
InscribedLower right: N. C. Wyeth - 04 (from reproduction)
ProvenanceCharles Scribner's Sons, New York, NY
References David Michaelis, N. C. Wyeth, A Biography (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1998), p. 102; Christine B. Podmaniczky, N. C. Wyeth, A Catalogue Raisonné of Paintings (London: Scala, 2008), I.27, p. 109
Curatorial RemarksIn a letter to his mother dated early July, 1904, the artist wrote, "I have finished my Russian picture which proved to be the biggest success yet as far as quality goes. Not only that but I completed the picture in three days, (the record time down here) and its my conviction that a picture to be done with the right spirit and enthusiam should be finished in a comparatively short time" (NCW to Henriette Z. Wyeth, dated in another hand July 8 - 04, "Four days after the fourth...," Wyeth Family Archives).
The Scribner's record of this painting indicates that the artist worked in black and white for this commission. (Scribner's Archive, Brandywine River Museum library)
Image Source for printed Catalogue Raisonne:Photography from printed source (Brandywine River Museum Library, proof)
Photo Credit:Rick Echelmeyer, 8/2004