Courtesy The Hyde
The Hyde museum in Glens Falls acquired a second work by American realist George Bellows, entitled “Freeman Young’s Place” (Matinicus Island, Me.), by virtue of a bequest by former trustee and longtime Hyde Collection supporter Evelyn “Evie” Muller, who died in March.
The colorful landscape has not been seen publicly since 1923, shortly before the artist’s untimely death in January 1925 at the age of 42.
The painting is one in a series that Bellows completed during a 1916 trip to Maine, where he painted a small holding of an island fisherman named Freeman Young on Matinicus Island.
Bellows had begun going to Maine in 1911, as a student of Robert Henri. Every time he returned, his paintings were different, reflecting new influences. Visually and emotionally, Freeman Young’s Place is different in feel and atmosphere to the world of Homer, Henri and Rockwell Kent, who had all influenced him on previous Main trips.
Bellows made his name with his boisterous depictions of modern life, before passing away from appendicitis at 42.
A two-term Hyde trustee, Muller’s true relationship with the museum ran far deeper than her seat on the board, Hyde officials said. For three decades, she supported every major initiative at The Hyde, from the restoration of Hyde House to the opening of the Feibes & Schmitt Gallery.
“With her humor, grace, generosity, intelligence and lack of pretension, Evie raised the bar by simply walking in the room,” said former Hyde Director Randy Suffolk. “She was a wonderful leader and the best of friends.”
“It’s fitting,” said director of curatorial affairs Jonathan Canning, “that whenever this painting is exhibited or reproduced, the accompanying credit line will always articulate the deep and indivisible bond between Evie and The Hyde.”