Date in History: 1974
In 1974, Fort Atkinson resident Mary Hoard traveled to New Mexico to have her portrait painted by Henriette Wyeth, the sister of Andrew Wyeth. By that time Henriette was a renowned portrait painter in her own right, with many of her works in the permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery and other celebrated collections throughout the world.
Mary’s sittings were from 9 to Noon each day and afternoons were reserved for hosting visitors. At first she was surprised at the large canvas that Henriette had prepared, but noted in her journal that “being a Wyeth, I thought she knew what she was doing.” Mary stayed at her ranch for the ten days that it took to finish the portrait. This painting can now be seen on display in the lobby of the Hoard Musuem.
This historic document aired on the radio as an Historic Minute on 03/31/2003.