Share this page Dec 1, 2018 — Sep 15, 2019 Andrew Wyeth (1917-2009), regarded as one of the most important American artists of the 20th century, launched his career in 1937 with a sold-out exhibition of his watercolors in New York. On the occasion of the young artist's remarkable debut, his father and mentor, noted illustrator N.C. Wyeth wrote him a congratulatory letter prophesying, "You are headed in the direction that should finally reach the pinnacle in American art." Wyeth's subjects focused on two locations: Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, his birthplace, and Cushing, Maine, his second home since childhood. Drawing inspiration from the distinctive characteristics of these locations, he revealed universal attributes in his depictions of landscapes, objects, and people. This selection from the Museum's collection emphasizes Wyeth's preference for painting intimate subjects, including his family, his friends, and his favorite models. He once said, "I am an illustrator of my own life." Back view