Two illustrated sets of notes by American realist artist Andrew Wyeth (1917-2009). Wyeth has drawn two original sketches of arrows, and written over 30 words in his hand. The notes are signed a total of four times: once as "Andy"; twice as "Robin Hood"; and once as "R.H." The handwritten messages and drawings were exchanged between Wyeth and George & Helen Sipala, his longtime friends and neighbors in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, between November 22, 1995 and February 11, 1996. Provenance: From the personal collection of George & Helen Sipala. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity dated November 2, 2020 originally signed by Helen Sipala.

Andrew Wyeth was a realist, so he did not depict historical, semi-mythological, or romantic characters like Robin Hood. Yet this figure was probably familiar to him, because his father, fellow artist Newell Convers Wyeth (1882-1945), depicted Robin Hood in several works, most notably in illustrations of Paul Creswick's "The Adventures of Robin Hood" (1917). Evidently the idea of Robin Hood appealed to Andrew Wyeth's sense of whimsy. Like Robin Hood, the chivalrous brigand of lore who evaded detection or capture, Wyeth "roam[ed] freely in and out" of the Sipala's house and grounds.

The lot is comprised of:

1. A piece of paper inscribed by Wyeth at top, as: "enjoyed your nuts / 11:30" and, at lower right, "Sorry I missed / you - / Robin Hood." At center is a dramatic pencil sketch of a thrumming arrow measuring 7.75" in length. Dated "11/22/95" in the upper right corner. The reverse of the document shows that it was a photocopy of a financial document (Schedule "A"). Expected wear including isolated stains, flattened paper folds, and staple holes in the lower right corner, else near fine. 11" x 8.5."

2. A piece of blue-lined paper inscribed with a series of messages, dated "2/4 - 2/11/96." Wyeth has sketched a smaller version of an arrow, measuring 2.75" in length, near the bottom. Isolated loss to one corner near top-page perforation, else near pristine. 8.375" x 11."

Wyeth's inscriptions include, from top to bottom:

- "Here at 7:30 / Will be back / soon - love / Robin Hood."

- "Stopped in Saturday / morning 10oclock / love."

- "Missed again!! / R.H."

- "Back / on / Sunday morning xxx Andy."

Provenance

George & Helen Sipala lived at Painter's Folly, near Route 1 (or Baltimore Pike) in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania from 1974 until 2018. Painter's Folly was an Italianate style residence built in 1857 that had served as Howard Pyle's summer art colony around the turn of the twentieth century; Wyeth's father had studied there.

In her letter of authenticity, Helen Sipala states that Andrew Wyeth's first visit to Painter's Folly occurred on March 1, 1989, after Wyeth had rambled onto the property to study a pair of mermaid statues. Wyeth's home and studio was located about 1.5 miles to the southwest of Painter's Folly. The artist was cordially received and granted full access to the house, roofline, and property. Wyeth visited regularly, sometimes almost daily, over the next 20 years until his death in 2009. Painter's Folly is depicted in Wyeth's work of the same name, from 1989 (see picture included for reference). In the end, about half a dozen Wyeth works feature either Painter's Folly or the Sipalas.

Helen wrote in part:

"When we weren't home, he [Andy] would leave us a written note on the kitchen table to let us know of his visit. At first it was any little piece of paper he could find until we realized that a pad was necessary. As you will see, the notes pertained to what he was working on, the time of the day, and with a personal sketch or two.

The notes were signed with various comical notations or signatures. Robin Hood, The Snowman, The man on the roof, Old Bones, The Spirit, etc. were just a few. Sketches might explain what he was working on or just silly thoughts in his head…Little did he know, that these simple drawings and letters would become a real part of our lives, and, hopefully, a real part of Andy's legacy…"

Wyeth and the Sipalas also socialized together in Chadds Ford, Maine, and elsewhere, and Helen Sipala also occasionally posed for him. Helen Sipala relied on recollections, diary entries, and the voluminous collection of ephemera that Andy left behind on his visits to compose her memoir, "Beyond the Marriage Bed: My Years as Friend, Model and Confidante of Andrew Wyeth" (Berkeley, California: Regent Press, 2021), edited by Bruce E. Mowbray. In 2018, Painter's Folly was purchased by Chadds Ford as part of its Historic and Open Space inventory initiatives.

Andrew Wyeth was the youngest child of nationally acclaimed illustrator N.C. Wyeth. Andrew became known for his spare, stark, monochrome depictions of nature and rural American life. His moving work "Christina's World" (1948), showing his physically disabled neighbor Christina Olson stretched out in a field, is emblematic of Wyeth's style and tone. He typically sketched in pencil or watercolor, and his finished large-scale artwork was accomplished in either watercolor, drybrush watercolor, or egg tempera.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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