Monday, January 25, 2016

Treasure Island and N.C. Wyeth

/www.google.com/search?q=blind+pew+treasure+island&es




In 1911, N.C. Wyeth was approached by Charles Scribners's Sons publishing company to illustrate the book by Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island.  For this commission he was paid, $2,500.  He completed 17 canvases including the cover and end papers.  N.C. loved the work, and painted nine hours a day, relishing in his enthusiasm for the story and Stevenson's words which were written with a "painter's  eye."  Stevenson was a talented painter himself. Treasure Island was meant to be seen.

"Blind Pew," a minor character in the story, is an evil pirate, but my favorite illustration in the book.  The composition, the menace depicted is perfect.






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10 comments:

  1. JoJoJanuary 25, 2016 at 6:59 PM

    I've never read the book but this is a famous illustration for sure. I've seen it quite a few times.

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  2. JoJanuary 25, 2016 at 6:59 PM

    That is a fantastic picture. I don't remember the character (long time since I read the book) but I do love the painting.

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  3. SENCO Cat HerderJanuary 25, 2016 at 11:12 PM

    I loved Treasure Island as a child and was terrified of Blind Pew (more so than of Long John Silver). The illustrations for the book surely answer the question you posed previously - N.C.Wyeth was an accomplished artist! Special Teaching at Pempi’s Palace

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  4. Hilary Melton-ButcherJanuary 26, 2016 at 3:55 AM

    Hi Nat - what an amazing picture ... you can see the menace of Pew - he may be blind, but he holds power in his hands ... I didn't know Stevenson was a painter as well. I loved seeing this ...incredible composition ... another book I need to get out and read.

    Cheers Hilary

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  5. loverofwordsJanuary 26, 2016 at 8:47 AM

    These old books like Treasure Island still hold magic for me. I guess you have to be of a certain age because it is now Star Wars and Harry Potter. But the image is still important. Thank you all for commenting.

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  6. AnonymousFebruary 2, 2016 at 4:43 PM

    I love Treasure Island. Everything I've read by Stevenson I've read I've enjoyed. His stories are remarkable.
    I am sad I don't have a copy with Wyeth's artwork. It would only add to the story. I will have to look around for a copy.

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  7. loverofwordsFebruary 2, 2016 at 5:09 PM

    Try Amazon. I think they have the book with the Wyeth illustrations. It makes such magical reading.

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  8. cquinn819February 16, 2016 at 12:15 PM

    Good to see you blogging again!

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  9. bazzaFebruary 20, 2016 at 3:52 AM

    I read Treasure Island as a child and again last year; it was still a hugely enjoyable read and now my ten-year-old grandson loves it too! Wyeth's painting really brings back the scared excitement of reading it as a young boy!
    CLICK HERE for Bazza’s fabulous Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

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  10. loverofwordsFebruary 21, 2016 at 9:20 AM

    Thanks, CQ!

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