Henriette Wyeth's 1922 Nude: A Teen Prodigy's Masterpiece

In 1922, a 15-year-old Henriette Wyeth painted a half-life-size oil study of a nude figure, an artwork that now stands as a testament to her prodigious talent and a significant, early piece in her respected career. While her brother Andrew would become the more famous painter of the two, the eldest Wyeth child was a prodigy in her own right, already painting at a professional level while still in her teens. This early nude is a powerful example of her command of figurative work, a skill she would be known for throughout her life.

A painting steeped in early training

‍By 1922, Wyeth had already received extensive training from her father, renowned illustrator N.C. Wyeth, and had attended prestigious art schools in Boston. She had developed a command of technique that belied her young age. The 1922 nude showcases her masterful rendering of the human form, with light and shadow defining the figure's contours with a grace and understanding typically associated with a more mature artist.

A treasure for The Bennett Collection

Steven had seen her work on display at the Wyeth Museum in Pennsylvania and found it quite interesting. This early nude is particularly coveted, and we were thrilled to be able to acquire it. Henriette Wyeth's work, though celebrated, does not appear on the market as frequently as that of her more famous relatives. The rare appearance of a piece from her formative years offered a unique opportunity to acquire a work that encapsulates her prodigious talent.

More than just a nude

‍For many, the painting is more than just a figure study; it is a piece of art of historical significance. It represents a rare glimpse into the early artistic mind of one of the 20th century's most accomplished figurative painters. For us as collectors, acquiring such a piece is not just about owning a beautiful artwork, but about owning a piece of a story: the risk a young artist took, the skill she possessed, and the potential that lay before her.

An enduring legacy

‍Henriette Wyeth's legacy is defined by her sensitive portraits and mysterious still lifes. This early 1922 nude, painted long before her well-known commissions of Helen Hayes and Pat Nixon, serves as a powerful reminder of her inherent talent. It confirms her status as a figurative artist of exceptional ability and as a key, if often overlooked, member of the legendary Wyeth family of painters.

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