Renowned American artist (1882–1945) and patriarch of a family of distinguished painters including son Andrew (born 1917) and grandson Jamie (born 1946). Best known for his illustrations for such classic literary works as Treasure Island, Last of the Mohicans, and Robinson Crusoe, N. C. Wyeth long sought recognition as a “serious” artist, drawing sharp distinctions between the worlds of commercial and fine art. The inclusion of his works in scores of distinguished museum collections provides, perhaps, the most compelling testimony to the realization of his goals. Excellent ALS, five pages on three sheets, 7 x 7.5, personal letterhead, no date [circa 1929]. Wyeth writes to Mr. Barrett. In part: “I have exhibited my illustrative canvases at various times and places in the past fifteen years—New York, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland—in fact in most of the larger centers of the U.S. The majority of these canvases have been sold to libraries, schools, and to individual buyers. For instance, the New York Library ... own [sic] about 20.... These canvases are all in oil, in full color, and average about 36″ x 44″ in size. Although I most emphatically believe that art museums should devote a small section to examples of illustrative work (including a comprehensive exhibition of the various processes of reproduction) I am frank to admit that the graphic illustrators’ product has no rightful place in the galleries restricted to the works of master painters. There is a vast difference between the two branches of art. I started, as a pupil of the late Howard Pyle, to become an illustrator. I still do considerable work in this field, but in the last ten years I have expanded into the larger field of mural painting—such as you saw in the First National Bank. Other efforts of this nature can be seen in the Federal Reserve Bank, Boston; Missouri State Capital.; National Geographic Society, Washington; Hotel Roosevelt dining room, N.Y.; Franklin Savings Bank, N.Y.; Traymore Hotel Grill, Atlantic City; and many smaller panels in schools and houses in various parts of the country. Another line of development—landscape and figure painting (which I have never publicly exhibited) has recently received recognition. The Art Institute of Chicago has invited a sizable group of these paintings to their American Painters Show next fall. These latter works are, most decidedly, my best efforts so far. I am much pleased that ‘David and Goliath’ appealed to you. This painting and a companion picture ‘Adam & Eve’ will hang in the forthcoming exhibition at the Art Alliance Galleries in Philadelphia. I am doing a series of 12 of the children of the Bible, four of which have appeared in ‘Good Housekeeping.’ These would make a stimulating group in some Sunday school or church club room....” Wyeth’s catalogue raisonné documents an exhibition of David and Goliath at the Philadelphia Art Alliance “circa 1929”; the letter presumably dates from shortly before. In very fine condition. Surely one of the most significant letters extant from this influential figure in American art! Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
