The Andrew & Betsy Wyeth Study Center of the Brandywine Museum of Art confirms that this object is recorded in Betsy James Wyeth's files.

Trammel is a double-sided work.

Verso: Untitled, 1985

Watercolor on paper

27¼ x 20⅜ inches

69.2 x 51.8 cm

Andrew Wyeth's Trammel showcases the artist's unparalleled fluency in watercolor and commitment to realism. A trammel is a metal hook traditionally employed as a pot hanger above a cooking fire. Here, Andrew Wyeth uses the iron hook to suspend a fur hat and a pair of leather boots, crafting a composition that features Wyeth's masterful depiction of varied textures. From the soft curves of the smooth leather boots to the thick fur and the hard metal hook, Wyeth employs varied techniques culminating in this multi-dimensional work. The drawing Study for "Trammel" (1985, Private collection) is a preparatory sketch for the present watercolor. A master draftsman, Wyeth often made numerous sketches to refine his compositions before translating them meticulously into watercolor.

At the vanguard of 20th-century realism, Wyeth's artistic vision remained unwavering throughout his illustrious career. His body of work, spanning various mediums, reflects a remarkable coherence and depth. Yet, it is in watercolor that Wyeth truly shines, joining the ranks of esteemed American watercolorists like Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent, and Edward Hopper. His legacy continues to inspire and influence artists, ensuring his impact on the medium endures for generations to come.