Graphite on paper, unsigned, inscribed at lower right with a "W" (circled) (not in the artist's hand), circa 1940, unframed.

Sheet 16 7/8 x 10 7/8 in.

The artist
Anthony Arabia, West Chester, Pennsylvania
Private Collection

N. C. Wyeth was one of America's greatest illustrators. Together with his son and grandson, Andrew Wyeth and Jamie Wyeth, he created a lasting dynasty of American artistry.

This work was a study for a calendar illustration, "The Romance of Commerce," published by John Morrell & Co. in 1941. Other plates in the calendar include "The Story of Furs," "The Story of Coffee," and the "Story of Whaling."

This study calls to mind the swashbuckling scenes created by Wyeth for the 1911 publication of Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island.

Included in the N. C. Wyeth Catalogue Raisonné at The Brandywine River Museum of Art, research number NCW: 1108.

Toning to sheet; allover foxing; two small holes to sheet at lower left corner; minor areas of staining, most noticeable at lower right corner from an old (now lost) label affixed to the sheet, and at center right edge of sheet above palm tree (unknown cause); small 3/8 in. tear at center left edge of sheet.

$15,000 - 25,000