Andrew Wyeth 1917-2009

Collection of Andrew and Betsy Wyeth, 1961
The Lefevre Gallery, London
Acquired by the present owner from the above, 1975

London, The Lefevre Gallery, Andrew Wyeth, May-June 1974, no. 3, illustrated in color

Nigel Gosling, "America's Other Andy," Observer Magazine, May 1974, pp. 32-35, illustrated in color

Very good condition. Unframed: hinged to the mat in two places along the upper edge.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

In Independence Day, Andrew Wyeth portrays his longtime friend and neighbor Tom Clark sitting on his porch alongside a billowing American flag. Clark lived in a small African American community in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, known as "Little Africa," which had originated as a Quaker stop on the Underground Railroad. Growing up, Wyeth played with the children of the neighborhood, and throughout his adult life, he painted its residents. Wyeth produced numerous watercolors and pencil drawings of Clark, the first of which was completed in 1957.  Wyeth recalled: "He welcomed me so easily ... I painted him in every angle—seated, lying down, bending over. I lived with him for almost a month ... He would cook for me" (in Mary Lynn Kotz, "Wyeth's Black Models," ArtNews, May 2001). As with other subjects, Clark's physical attributes captivated Wyeth. He explained:  "I was very fond of my father-in law, a tall, dignified Welshman with a keen sense of humor. Tom reminded me of him—the same bald head, almost identical shaped nose, and pale blue eyes" (in Andrew Wyeth, Close Friends, 2001, P. 117).