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N. C. Wyeth (1882-1945) The Coming of the Mayflower, composition drawing 1940 / 1941 Graphite on paper Sheet (in two pieces), 15 1/16 x 8 5/8, and 15 1/16 x 11 3/4; image (in two pieces) 13 x 8 1/4, 13 x 11 1/2 Collection of Andrew and Betsy Wyeth NCW NUMBER 1790 TITLE The Coming of the Mayflower, composition drawing MEDIUM Graphite on paper INSCRIPTION(S), LABEL(S) In margin along bottom: SIZE-13'2' x 8'8' THE COMING OF THE MAYFLOWER PANEL 203; no marks on verso DATE 1940 / 1941 PROVENANCE Mrs. N. C. Wyeth INITIAL USE Preliminary drawing for Metropolitan Life Insurance mural CURATORIAL COMMENT The present work relates to NCW 436, a mural painting for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, and NCW 2369, the presentation painting for the commission. The Brandywine River Museum holds a lantern slide (NCWS.95.1825.293) of the drawing, and additional lantern slides made from an outline drawing (NCWS.95.1825.334-.341, possibly done by John McCoy) of the design. The fact that the drawing is in two pieces (with tape residue visible along the seam) suggests that the artist made alterations to one side, possibly the right side, as he planned the composition. IMAGE SOURCE photography directly from artwork