Royce Homestead
PainterPainted by
Henrik Hillbom
(1863 - 1948)
Datebefore 1925
MediumPainting; oil on canvas in wood frame with gilt gesso decoration
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (stretcher height x width): 16 x 20in. (40.6 x 50.8cm)
Frame (height x width x depth): 21 x 25 x 2in. (53.3 x 63.5 x 5.1cm)
ClassificationsPainting
Credit LineGift of Miss Helen E. Royce
Object number1953.73.2
DescriptionA frame center-chimney house with green shutters and a side addition is surrounded by flowering shrubs, possibly rhododendrons, and a grassy lawn. There appears to be an arbor with grapevines growing on it in front of an addition at the right. A dirt road is in the foreground and a dirt path leads towards the house. A large tree, apparently an oak, but supposedly an elm, is at the right. Additional trees are in the background.
NotesSubject Note: The house, originally located at the head of Main Street in Wallingford, is said to have been built in 1672 by Nehemiah Royce. The large elm tree is said to have served as a lookout during the French and Indian Wars, and it is said that at one time Washington rested beneath it. Helen Royce, a descendant of Nehemiah Royce, had the house moved in 1924 and used it as a museum.Date Note: The painting was exhibited in 1925. It is possible that it was made about 1924, the date the house was moved, in order to record its original location and surroundings. Although the large tree is supposed to be an elm, it appears to be an oak, suggesting that it was not drawn from nature and that therefore the painting may date from after 1896, when the tree came down.
Title Note: The family name is sometimes spelled "Rice."
Status
Not on view
