Helen descends the Glen of Stones

Wyeth read an undated edition of The Scottish Chiefs published by Thomas D. Crowell Company, New York, illustrated with photographs of Scottish scenery (Brandywine River Museum NCWS.95.184) in preparation for this commission. He also had in his studio library the eight volume "Scottish Highlands, Highland Clans and Highland Regiments" published by Fullerton & Co. of Edinburgh (BRMA, NCWS.95.232.1-.8) which he no doubt consulted.

Wyeth was extremely concerned about the quality of the reproductions for this commission; he had generously used blue and green pigments throughout which were notoriously difficult for printers to duplicate. He expected the printers to faithfully reproduce his paintings and was disappointed when the technology or the printers’ skill failed to do so.