Artist:
N.C. Wyeth
(American, 1882 - 1945)
Breaking the Log Jam
Alternate Title(s):Breaking a Log Jam
Medium: Oil on hardboard (Renaissance Panel)
Date: 1943
Dimensions:
28 1/2 × 41 in. (69.9 × 101.6 cm)
Private collection
Used by permission, Courtesy of The Coca-Cola Company Archives
Accession number: SUPP2000.516
Research Number: NCW: 516
InscribedLower left: N. C. WYETH (underlined); adhered to reverse of panel, label of F. Weber Co., no. 1160, dated 8/17/43
ProvenanceThe Coca-Cola Company, Atlanta, GA, to 1972; (Ray Ketcham Gallery, Atlanta, GA, 1973); (Graham Gallery, New York, NY); (Scottsdale, AZ, American Collectors Art Auction, Oct. 24, 1985, lot no. 153, p. 95); (J. N. Bartfield Galleries, New York, NY, 1987); Private collection, Weston, CT, 1987-2018; (New York, NY, Christie's, May 22,2018, lot no. 39);
References
Douglas Allen and Douglas Allen, Jr., N. C. Wyeth, The Collected Paintings, Illustrations and Murals (New York: Crown Publishers, 1972), p. 287 as "Breaking a Log Jam"; Christine B. Podmaniczky, N. C. Wyeth, A Catalogue Raisonné of Paintings (London: Scala, 2008), C.173, p. 695
Curatorial RemarksThis image appeared as the main picture in Wall Chart # 2 in the "Lumber" series of educational materials. According to correspondence from Forbes (Jan. 26, 1943 and Feb. 10, 1943, Wyeth Family Archives) it would seem that originally Wyeth planned a picture depicting the building of the Constitution; a "rough" (probably a charcoal drawing) of this idea was approved and there is no correspondence suggesting when "Breaking the Log Jam" was substituted.
The Brandywine River Museum of Art holds a composition drawing for the work (NCW 2053, 96.1.506), and the lantern slide (NCWS.95.1825.210) made from the drawing that was used in the transfer of the image from paper to panel.
The BRMA research center includes copies of the Teacher's Guide, corresponding student workbook, and all educational posters for this unit (#37089.1-7), developed and distributed by The Coca-Cola Company.
The Brandywine River Museum of Art holds a composition drawing for the work (NCW 2053, 96.1.506), and the lantern slide (NCWS.95.1825.210) made from the drawing that was used in the transfer of the image from paper to panel.
The BRMA research center includes copies of the Teacher's Guide, corresponding student workbook, and all educational posters for this unit (#37089.1-7), developed and distributed by The Coca-Cola Company.
Image Source for printed Catalogue Raisonne:Transparency directly from painting
Photo Credit:Paul Mutino, 4/2005