Gift of Isabel Winthrop Stuart on behalf of herself and her sister, Mrs. Grace Stuart Brocklesb ...

Charter Oak

MediumOil on paperboard

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width): 6 3/16 x 9 1/2in. (15.7 x 24.1cm) Frame (height x width): 12 3/4 x 16 1/8in. (32.4 x 41cm)

ClassificationsPainting

Credit LineGift of Isabel Winthrop Stuart on behalf of herself and her sister, Mrs. Grace Stuart Brocklesby of Hampton, New Hampshire, daughters of Isaac W. Stuart.

Object number1914.1.2

DescriptionSmall painting of the Charter Oak with a view of Wyllys House (2nd) in the background. In the foreground is a dirt path. Beyond this is a white picket fence with gate and gate posts. The path leads along the property and also in behind the gates, up the right side of the painting to the house. The path is lined with trees on both sides and there are four trees distinctly visible on the left side of the path. The Charter Oak in leaf is in the center of the painting, directly behind a white picket fence. It is large and gnarled. The land dips down to the left of the oak and water and mountains with tree are visible in the distance, mostly likely the Connecticut River. The house is visible to the rear and right side of the Oak. It had a triangular pediment in the center front, is 2 1/2 stories and has 2 chimneys visible. There appear to be ells or outbuildings to the right rear of the house. The sky is blue to pink, with a definite pink accent on the right side of the painting. The frame is gold colored wood.

NotesSubject history according to museum records: "The Charter of Connecticut was secretly housed by Captain Joseph Wadsworth of Hartford, in what came to be known as the Charter Oak. The hollow tree stood on the homestead of Samuel Wyllys family, sold in 1827 to Stephen Bulkeley's daughter, Catherine, the wife of the Honorable Isaac W. Stuart. The Stuarts did all they could to preserve the venerable oak, but it collapsed in a high wide August 21, 1856. The tree is said to have been a little less than a thousand years. The Charter, once enclosed in the oak, is now owned by and on display at The Connecticut Historical Society."

Status

Not on view