Wondrous Strange : The Wyeth Tradition

Book Description Publication Date: September 1, 1998 Conceived and entitled Wondrous Strange by Andrew Wyeth's wife Betsy James Wyeth, this magnificent book focuses on an aspect of American realism that stems from the great turn-of-the-century illustrator Howard Pyle and is manifest in the work of his student, N. C. Wyeth, N. C.'s son Andrew Wyeth, and his grandson Jamie Wyeth. It shows the one motivation that most dramatically links these four generations of artists -- to delve into realities that are more closely related to memory and imagination than anything in the natural world. This little-known aspect of American Realism finds a close connection with a wide range of artists, from the Pre-Raphaelites to Steven Spielberg. Madness, mystery, high emotion, and drama figure prominently in the fantastical and colorful art shown here -- thirty paintings by each artist. Insightful essays examine the relationships among all four artists and suggest how illustration and the fine arts intersect in their work. Wondrous Strange is an enchanting collection of art by America's first family.