The Farmington River
PainterPainted by
William Ruthven Wheeler
(American, 1832 - 1893)
Date1887
MediumOil on canvas in wood frame with gilt gesso decorations
DimensionsStretcher (height x width): 16 x 24in. (40.6 x 61cm)
Frame (height x width x depth): 27 3/4 x 35 1/2 x 5in. (70.5 x 90.2 x 12.7cm)
ClassificationsPainting
Credit LineMuseum purchase
Object number1975.32.0
DescriptionThe Farmington River is in the foreground and large tree covered hills are in the background. Rocks can be seen protruding from the water and one bird is flying low over the surface of the water. To the left are three people, a man, a woman and a child, togther with a row boat. The woman wears a pink shirt, white blouse and dark jacket and straw colored hat, while the child is dressed in a green dress and wears a hat. The man is partially in the water with his left foot on the rocks, apparently is rolling up his trousers. He wears a blue shirt and brown trousers.
Label TextBorn in Michigan to a Connecticut family, Wheeler moved to Hartford in 1855 where he became one of the most sought after portrait painters in the area. While in Hartford, Wheeler also taught painting and was a member of the Hartford Art Association. Best known as a portrait painter, Wheeler's best works are now considered to be his landscapes. This landscape is the last of three of his paintings of the Farmington River; the first one was painted in 1867.
This work was originally owned by Christopher Minor Spencer an inventor and manufacturer whose name is connected with the Spencer firearms, drop forgings and the automatic screw.
This work was originally owned by Christopher Minor Spencer an inventor and manufacturer whose name is connected with the Spencer firearms, drop forgings and the automatic screw.
Status
On view
