FYI: The Olssen House is currently under renovation and has not been open (inside) to the public for the last two years. As is true with many wonderful places, funding is an issue. It's fields and surroundings are beautiful and Andrew and Betsy qre buried in the small cemetery at the edge of the field which is the wetting of this painting in Cushing Maine,
That’s a shame it’s not open to the public currently. But thanks for sharing this bit of knowledge too - I’m sure even just seeing the surroundings is quite moving for fans of this work.
Oh my gosh, I didn’t realize the setting was Cushing, Maine! I wish I had known when I visited there. A fun aside is that I was visiting with friends there who live next door to Lois Dodd, a wonderful artist (still with us at 97). Here is a link, from a few years back, with information and some photos: https://mainehomedesign.com/profile/window-on-her-world/
One of the things I love about all of Andrew Wyeth's work, including this one, is that things are never as they seem when you first look at them. There is always something darker underlying even what appear to be the idyllic scenes of coastal or country life he depicts, which is why I enjoy revisiting his works again and again. I was glad to have visited the Olson house a number of years ago, for me it was an artistic pilgrimage.
If you're a Wyeth fan, the house is a must-see. Plus, that stretch of Maine coast is beautiful. The house has a definite atmosphere to it - I remember the red geraniums in the kitchen and getting emotional when I looked out the window at the chimney Andrew painted in "End of Olsons", an even more poignant painting than Christina's World.
I was able to view it in the MOMA a few years ago and was surprised to find it hanging in a short corridor between two exhibit rooms. Most people were just walking by, I almost did, too.
Years ago I read the story of this work--perhaps at a museum retrospective--but the history faded as the picture became amplified in my memory. As we grow older, experience and New memories recontextualize as we assemble a growing mosaic of experience and sentiment. Most people who have listened to Beethoven's "Eroica" symphony are familiar with his pique in sarcastically renaming a grand work meant to laud the now emperor for his revolutionary ideals. But all of that is submerged in the four sublime movements.
When I was 5 (1963), my parents took me to see Christina’s World at the Albright-Knox Art Museum in Buffalo, NY. Andrew Wyeth was there, conversing with visitors. As we admired the painting, Wyeth turned to my parents and asked if he could paint their daughter. My dad was holding me. My parents - sadly - demurred.
That is still a really fitting interpretation. I am sure a whole story could be built around who she was looking for, or why she was trying to escape her home.
i have a book with all three of the Wyeth artists in it. i love all three of their works, all wonderful artists. this essay about Christina's World is very interesting, i never realized that his wife modeled for the piece. i find his works to be beautiful and calming.
That’s really cool that you have a book with all their work. I’m only properly familiar with Andrew’s stuff, so i bet it is really interesting to compare in that kind of collection.
I had thought, because of the prominence of the grassland, it was painted in a midwestern prairie setting. But apparently New England has similar places...
I find this picture so disturbing: the flat colours, the contorted pose and those forbidding buildings, but most of all I think it is the perspective that makes it feel nightmarish to me. Thank you for the fascinating story behind it.
That’s a really interesting feeling to have from it. But I actually can relate too. It’s an incredible work - but also, one of those paintings that I’m not sure I’d be particularly happy with hanging on my wall, that’s for sure!
Sad to say at least last time I checked the painting was moved to an undesirable spot next to an elevator. Her condition was Charcot Marie Tooth but you probably know that!
Thanks for sharing. Oh and it was painted in egg tempera my preferred medium!
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a group of inherited neurological disorders that affect the peripheral nerves. It's one of the most common inherited neurological conditions, affecting approximately 1 in 2,500 people in the United States.
Key Features
Progressive peripheral neuropathy: CMT causes damage to the peripheral nerves, which carry signals from the brain and spinal cord to muscles and sensory organs
Muscle weakness and atrophy: Typically begins in the feet and legs, sometimes later progressing to the hands and arms
Reduced sensation: Diminished ability to feel heat, cold, and touch
Foot deformities: High arches (pes cavus) or flat feet, hammertoes
Gradual onset: Symptoms usually begin in adolescence or early adulthood but can appear from early childhood to middle age
Types
CMT has multiple types based on:
The specific gene mutation
Pattern of inheritance (autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or X-linked)
Whether the condition affects the myelin sheath (CMT1) or the axon itself (CMT2)
The most common form is CMT1A, accounting for about 60-70% of all CMT cases.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis typically involves:
Detailed medical history
Neurological examination
Nerve conduction studies
Electromyography (EMG)
Genetic testing
Treatment
While there is no cure for CMT, management focuses on:
Physical therapy to maintain muscle strength
Occupational therapy for fine motor skills
Orthotic devices or braces to support weak ankles and feet
Pain management
Surgery for severe foot deformities or hand issues
Research into gene therapy and other treatments is ongoing, with several clinical trials underway.
As an egg tempera artist (Andrew Wyeth's medium) I'm clued into the Wyeth world! Even spent a few days in Chadds Ford and toured Andrew's studio and the other historical places there related to the Wyeth family. And as a nurse I love artistic medical sleuthing!
FYI: The Olssen House is currently under renovation and has not been open (inside) to the public for the last two years. As is true with many wonderful places, funding is an issue. It's fields and surroundings are beautiful and Andrew and Betsy qre buried in the small cemetery at the edge of the field which is the wetting of this painting in Cushing Maine,
That’s a shame it’s not open to the public currently. But thanks for sharing this bit of knowledge too - I’m sure even just seeing the surroundings is quite moving for fans of this work.
Oh my gosh, I didn’t realize the setting was Cushing, Maine! I wish I had known when I visited there. A fun aside is that I was visiting with friends there who live next door to Lois Dodd, a wonderful artist (still with us at 97). Here is a link, from a few years back, with information and some photos: https://mainehomedesign.com/profile/window-on-her-world/
Lovely article, thank you for sharing that!
One of the things I love about all of Andrew Wyeth's work, including this one, is that things are never as they seem when you first look at them. There is always something darker underlying even what appear to be the idyllic scenes of coastal or country life he depicts, which is why I enjoy revisiting his works again and again. I was glad to have visited the Olson house a number of years ago, for me it was an artistic pilgrimage.
You’re so right. That sense of things never being quite what they seem is what I really admire in his work too.
You’re really lucky to have had the chance to visit the Olson House in real too. I can imagine it must have a real atmosphere about it.
If you're a Wyeth fan, the house is a must-see. Plus, that stretch of Maine coast is beautiful. The house has a definite atmosphere to it - I remember the red geraniums in the kitchen and getting emotional when I looked out the window at the chimney Andrew painted in "End of Olsons", an even more poignant painting than Christina's World.
I was able to view it in the MOMA a few years ago and was surprised to find it hanging in a short corridor between two exhibit rooms. Most people were just walking by, I almost did, too.
It really is such a shame that they don’t give it a more prominent location. I would have thought the MOMA would want to make it a real feature piece.
But it is good that you still did manage to see it anyway.
Years ago I read the story of this work--perhaps at a museum retrospective--but the history faded as the picture became amplified in my memory. As we grow older, experience and New memories recontextualize as we assemble a growing mosaic of experience and sentiment. Most people who have listened to Beethoven's "Eroica" symphony are familiar with his pique in sarcastically renaming a grand work meant to laud the now emperor for his revolutionary ideals. But all of that is submerged in the four sublime movements.
When I was 5 (1963), my parents took me to see Christina’s World at the Albright-Knox Art Museum in Buffalo, NY. Andrew Wyeth was there, conversing with visitors. As we admired the painting, Wyeth turned to my parents and asked if he could paint their daughter. My dad was holding me. My parents - sadly - demurred.
No way! That is amazing.
If only they had said yes, perhaps i could have been featuring the work on here.
They thought they would have to pay for the artist’s work.
🤦🏻♀️ oh I am speechless.
I always loved this piece, but never knew the story behind it. (A feeling I have a lot when reading George's newsletter!)
Also love the invitation to come up with your own narrative before you reach the reveal at the end.
What an amazing painting and painter. Thank you for this post.
My version was a little dark. I thought she was trying to escape her home by looking up to see if anyone was around.
That is still a really fitting interpretation. I am sure a whole story could be built around who she was looking for, or why she was trying to escape her home.
i have a book with all three of the Wyeth artists in it. i love all three of their works, all wonderful artists. this essay about Christina's World is very interesting, i never realized that his wife modeled for the piece. i find his works to be beautiful and calming.
That’s really cool that you have a book with all their work. I’m only properly familiar with Andrew’s stuff, so i bet it is really interesting to compare in that kind of collection.
Glad you enjoyed the article too.
I had thought, because of the prominence of the grassland, it was painted in a midwestern prairie setting. But apparently New England has similar places...
I find this picture so disturbing: the flat colours, the contorted pose and those forbidding buildings, but most of all I think it is the perspective that makes it feel nightmarish to me. Thank you for the fascinating story behind it.
That’s a really interesting feeling to have from it. But I actually can relate too. It’s an incredible work - but also, one of those paintings that I’m not sure I’d be particularly happy with hanging on my wall, that’s for sure!
I wasn’t familiar with this painting so I found the article absolutely fascinating. Thank you 🙏
Sad to say at least last time I checked the painting was moved to an undesirable spot next to an elevator. Her condition was Charcot Marie Tooth but you probably know that!
Thanks for sharing. Oh and it was painted in egg tempera my preferred medium!
Oh, that’s a shame. The painting really deserves a better position than that!
Can you tell me what that means? "Charcot Marie Tooth"? I have no idea.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a group of inherited neurological disorders that affect the peripheral nerves. It's one of the most common inherited neurological conditions, affecting approximately 1 in 2,500 people in the United States.
Key Features
Progressive peripheral neuropathy: CMT causes damage to the peripheral nerves, which carry signals from the brain and spinal cord to muscles and sensory organs
Muscle weakness and atrophy: Typically begins in the feet and legs, sometimes later progressing to the hands and arms
Reduced sensation: Diminished ability to feel heat, cold, and touch
Foot deformities: High arches (pes cavus) or flat feet, hammertoes
Gradual onset: Symptoms usually begin in adolescence or early adulthood but can appear from early childhood to middle age
Types
CMT has multiple types based on:
The specific gene mutation
Pattern of inheritance (autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or X-linked)
Whether the condition affects the myelin sheath (CMT1) or the axon itself (CMT2)
The most common form is CMT1A, accounting for about 60-70% of all CMT cases.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis typically involves:
Detailed medical history
Neurological examination
Nerve conduction studies
Electromyography (EMG)
Genetic testing
Treatment
While there is no cure for CMT, management focuses on:
Physical therapy to maintain muscle strength
Occupational therapy for fine motor skills
Orthotic devices or braces to support weak ankles and feet
Pain management
Surgery for severe foot deformities or hand issues
Research into gene therapy and other treatments is ongoing, with several clinical trials underway.
Thank you very much for this. I hadn't heard of it before.
As an egg tempera artist (Andrew Wyeth's medium) I'm clued into the Wyeth world! Even spent a few days in Chadds Ford and toured Andrew's studio and the other historical places there related to the Wyeth family. And as a nurse I love artistic medical sleuthing!
Thank you for this post. I first learned about this painting in “Wyeth’s World”, the documentary by Michael Palin.
Thank you for this. I'm a fan of Wyeth's Helga series but was unaware of his Christina paintings.