The Preservation of the Charter
Date1820-1840
MediumDrawing; black ink wash on wove paper in painted wooden frame
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (image height x width): 6 3/8 x 7 7/8in. (16.2 x 20cm)
Frame (height x width): 9 x 19 7/8in. (22.9 x 50.5cm)
Sheet (estimated height x width, because drawing is framed): 7 1/4 x 8 7/8in. (18.4 x 22.5cm)
Frame (height x width): 9 x 19 7/8in. (22.9 x 50.5cm)
Sheet (estimated height x width, because drawing is framed): 7 1/4 x 8 7/8in. (18.4 x 22.5cm)
Credit LineThe Newman S. Hungerford Museum Fund
DescriptionA man wearing a coat, hat, breeches, and hose kneels beside a large oak tree and inserts a rolled document into a hole at its base. A large house with a brick chimney is on a hill at the right. A rail fence is in the right foreground. A road in the left foreground leads towards additional frame buildings and bushes in the left background.
The frame appears to be mid-nineteenth century, possibly contemporary with the drawing. It has mitered corners and a molding surounding the image. It has been painted or stained a dark brown.
The frame appears to be mid-nineteenth century, possibly contemporary with the drawing. It has mitered corners and a molding surounding the image. It has been painted or stained a dark brown.
Object number2002.32.1
InscribedOn recto, inscribed in black ink, lower center, "PRESERVATION OF THE CHARTER".NotesSubject Note: On 31 October 1687, Captain Joseph Wadsworth hid Connecticut's royal charter in a large oak tree on the property of Samuel Wyllys of Hartford to prevent it from being confiscated by Governor John Andros.On View
Not on view