The Wyeths: Three Generations

Works from the Bank of America Collection

Sir Nigel Sustains Englands Honor In The Lists, N.C. Wyeth, Bank of America Collection.

November 2, 2023 – February 11, 2024


For three generations, the Wyeths have created art that captures the imagination and admiration of a wide audience. The Wyeths: Three Generations presents more than seventy paintings, drawings and illustrations by N. C. Wyeth, his son Andrew, his daughter Henriette and his grandson Jamie. The works—from the early 1900s to the early 2000s—reveal the breadth of the Wyeth family’s creative output and illuminate both common themes within the works and the artists’ individual styles.

 

N. C. (Newell Convers) Wyeth (1882–1945) has long been considered one of the nation’s leading illustrators. In the early 1900s, he studied with illustrator Howard Pyle in Delaware. In 1911, he built a house and studio in nearby Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. Later, he bought a sea captain’s house in Maine and in 1931 built a small studio, which he shared with his son Andrew and his daughters. The exhibition includes illustrations for books by Robert Louis Stevenson and Washington Irving as well as historical scenes, seascapes and landscapes.

 

Andrew Wyeth (1917–2009) remains one of the United States’ most popular artists, and his paintings follow the American Realist tradition, which includes Winslow Homer. He was influenced by the works of Homer, whose watercolor technique he admired, as well as by the art of Howard Pyle and his father. While Andrew paints recognizable images, his use of line and space often imbue his works with an underlying abstract quality. The exhibition includes important works from the 1970s and 1980s as well as more recent paintings.

 

Jamie Wyeth (b. 1946), like his father and grandfather, has painted subjects of everyday life, in particular the landscape, animals and people of Pennsylvania and Maine. In contrast to his father—who painted with watercolor, drybrush and tempera—Jamie works in oil and mixed media, creating lush, painterly surfaces. Eighteen paintings represent all periods of his career.

Related Programming

Opening Reception: The Wyeths: Three Generations – Works From the Bank of America Collection with Special Guest Victoria Wyeth

Thursday, November 2 | 6 - 8 pm


Tickets: $10; Members: Free


We are thrilled to invite you to the Opening Reception of "The Wyeths: Three Generations - Works from the Bank of America Collection" on November 2nd from 6-8 PM. This highly anticipated event offers a unique opportunity to witness an exceptional collection of artwork that has been carefully curated and collected in Delaware, but has rarely been on display in the state since entering the prestigious Bank of America Collection.


These extraordinary pieces have traveled the world, captivating audiences everywhere they go, and now they're finally making their way back home. As a special treat, Victoria Wyeth will be on-site conducting brief tour sessions discussing her family's artwork to small groups throughout the night.


Register

Special Lecture by Victoria Wyeth: "Andrew Wyeth: Then and Now"

Friday, November 3 | 6:30 - 8 pm


Free Event


This engaging presentation will explore the subject matter, technique and inside stories surrounding the major works of her late grandfather, Andrew Wyeth – from his first watercolor at age six to his final tempera painted on Benner Island, Maine, in 2009.


Victoria Wyeth’s intimate, personal narrative provides uncommon access to the creative process of one of the great masters of American painting.


 About Victoria Wyeth: Victoria Browning Wyeth is the only child born to Nicholas and Jane Wyeth, the only grandchild of the iconic artist Andrew Wyeth, the great-granddaughter of renowned illustrator N.C. Wyeth, and the niece of celebrated uncle, artist Jamie Wyeth.


This special event is brought to you in partnership with Delaware State University. This program is partially funded by the Delaware Humanities, a state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities.


Register

First Saturday Family Studio: Making Scarecrows with special guest Victoria Wyeth

Saturday, November 4 | 11 am - 2 pm


Free Event


Are you ready to get your hands dirty and create the cutest little scarecrow? Join us on November 4th from 11 AM to 2 PM for our First Saturday Family Studio: Scarecrows. Our Education Team and Victoria Wyeth herself, from the iconic Wyeth Family, will be there to guide you every step of the way! Get inspired by the work of Wyeth and let your creativity run wild. Don't miss out on this opportunity to bond with your family and create something truly special.


No Registration Necessary

NC Wyeth Eight Bells

First Saturday Free Tour: The Wyeths: Three Generations Works from the Bank of America Collection Highlights

Saturday, November 4 | 2 - 3 pm

 

Free Event


Get ready to dive into the captivating world of "The Wyeths: Three Generations Works from the Bank of America Collection" with our exclusive free tour!


These extraordinary pieces have traveled the world, captivating audiences everywhere they go, and now they're finally making their way back home.


Don't miss out on the opportunity to feast your eyes on these stunning works of art, explore the rich history of the Wyeth dynasty, and gain a deeper understanding of their artistic legacy. Our expert guides will lead you through the exhibition, offering fascinating insights and behind-the-scenes stories that will make your experience truly unforgettable.


No Registration Necessary

Art Bites – Mini Pop Up Lectures Discussing Different works by the Wyeths Each Week

Thursdays 12:30 – 12:45 pm

(Beginning November 9)


Included with Admission


We invite you to indulge your senses and join us for a visual feast through the world of art. From November through February, every Thursday at 12:30 PM, the Biggs presents “Art Bites” a brief and interesting story time that will leave you craving for more.


During this program, we offer you a bite-sized look at the captivating exhibition The Wyeths: Three Generations Works from the Bank of America Collection. Each week, we explore a single artwork exclusively and in depth, unraveling its secrets and hidden stories during stimulating 15 minute sessions.


Best of all, these tantalizing pop-up lectures are included in the price of standard admission, making them accessible to all art enthusiasts. And for our esteemed State of Delaware and City of Dover Employees with ID, we offer these enriching sessions for free!


No Registration Necessary

Lecture - The Dang Truth: Jamie Wyeth Illustrations for the Delaware Air National Guard Publication

Saturday, November 11 | 11 am


Free Event


Join us for a special Veterans Day lecture featuring the Delaware Military Museum Curator, Kennard R. Wiggins, Jr., as he explores the artwork and illustrations created by Jamie Wyeth for the Delaware Air National Guard's publication, Dang Truth. The lecture will delve into the relationship between Wyeth's illustrations and the Delaware Air National Guard. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the intersection of art and military history. Don't miss out!


This event is free to the public, but the Biggs will be collecting donations to benefit Wreaths Across America on this day to honor the legacy of Veterans. Suggested Donation $10.


Register

Wyeth Inspired Watercolor & Wine

Saturday, November 25 | 1 - 3 pm

Thursday, November 30 | 5:30 - 7:30 pm


Tickets:$35; Members: $27


Get ready to unleash your inner artist at our Watercolor and Wine workshop on November 25th at 1:00 pm! Sip on a glass of wine while you create personalized watercolor cards inspired by the work of the Wyeths to send to your loved ones this winter. Led by a local artist, this workshop is perfect for beginners and experienced painters alike. You'll be guided step-by-step to create a one-of-a-kind card using watercolor paint. No prior experience is necessary - just come with an open mind and a willingness to have fun! Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to relax, unwind, and tap into your creative side. Reserve your spot today!


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Lecture: Wyeth Foundation: Cultivating Wonder 

Wednesday, December 13 | 6 - 7 PM


Tickets: $20; Members: $10


Join the William L. Coleman, Wyeth Foundation Curator and Director of the Andrew & Betsy Wyeth Study Center for a special lecture exploring the particular stew of magic and terror that N.C. Wyeth created around Halloween and Christmas both as key components of a home environment and how this supported the production of highly individual creative talents across the arts. Through the lens of “wonder” this talk will explore the work of N.C, Henriette, Carolyn, and Jamie, with a deeper focus on the works of Andrew Wyeth.


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This exhibition has been loaned through the Bank of America Art in Our Communities program® 

This exhibition and related programming is supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware Arts events on www.DelawareScene.com

The Special Lecture by Victoria Wyeth: "Andrew Wyeth: Then and Now" is partially funded by the Delaware Humanities, a state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Biggs Museum of American Art | (302) 674 - 2111|

406 Federal St, Dover, DE 19901

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