James Stuart Painting Restoration

“Sunset and Moonrise on the Great Chief” or “the Ruling Spirit of the Columbia”

Artist: James Everett Stuart (1852-1941)
Date of painting: 1894 (Oil on canvas 8’ x 5’)

Thank you to our donors for helping us complete this historic art preservation project for our community and generations.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO HELP THE MUSEUM PROTECT OUR COMMUNITY’S INVALUABLE HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL COLLECTIONS

Restoration Update

At the end of November 2019, the painting was removed from the walls of the Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center and shipped to Redmond, WA for restoration. Bruce F. Miller completed the restoration of the painting, and atelier Richard Boerth restored the antique, gilded frame. The painting’s return was delayed by COVID-19 related closures, but we’re excited to announce that the painting and frame have been reunited and will be returned back to the Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center in late July.

Painting Restoration

The conservator used a cotton swab to make a small cleaning test. The virtually black swab indicated how discolored the varnish was. Interestingly, caster oil was used in the original varnish formulation, which likely contributed to the unusual discoloration of the varnish. Removing the discolored varnish dramatically improved the color of the painting. Below are cleaning images of the bottom of the painting.

Frame Restoration

The conservator began by adding a buildup to the back of the frame, which got the overall depth needed on all sides to allow for a secure hanging to the wall with clearance. Once those were complete, the frame was placed face up for the major part of the work. The conservator cleaned off the gold paint on the burnished areas, consolidated loose gesso, and prepared the frame to fill damaged areas. The conservator honored the original gilding of the frame, particularly on the surfaces that were originally water gilded and burnished, which resulted in more lively appearance in line with the intent of the original frame makers.

Details Uncovered

This landscape painting, painted by James Edward Stuart in 1894, is of a large rock formation overlooking the Columbia River. It was previously thought to be located at the Maryhill Ferry, near Goldendale, however, upon removal from the Museum wall the back of the canvas revealed in Stuart’s own handwriting that it is “Situated on the upper end of the Island that forms Hell Gate, and about 130 miles above Portland, Oregon.” This would put the location east of Maryhill, WA, closer to Arlington, OR. Also uncovered was the record of restoration work done on the painting in San Francisco in 1945.

Project Support

Fundraising for the restoration project was launched in 2017 to meet the restoration’s goal of $18,210. Thanks to the generosity of the Museum’s donors and members, we raised $17,365 to fund this historic art preservation project for our community and for generations to come. Your gift to the Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center ensures we are able to continue our work to protect our community’s invaluable historical and cultural collections. Donate online at: https://www.wenatcheevalleymuseum.org/donate/ or send a check to WVMCC, 127 South Mission Street, Wenatchee, WA 98801.

About the Painting

This majestic and unique piece of art is part of the collections at WVMCC. Painted by the well-known and prolific western landscape painter, James Stuart, this piece was originally displayed in the Washington State building at the 1915 Panama-Pacific Expo in San Francisco and later in the WA State Historical Society in Tacoma until 1954. After Frank A. Dupar, Sr. purchased the painting, it hung in the lobby of the Cascadian Hotel until 1968 when it was gifted to Wenatchee Valley College. It was then donated to the museum in 1985 where it now hangs in our museum annex building.

It depicts a rock formation that appears to be the profile of a Native Chief in full regalia (look at the shadowed section of rock to the left of the sunset-lit arch – can you see a profile of a face?!)

This beautiful treasure has a special history in our community as well as Washington State. It celebrates the mystery and beauty of the unique geological formations all along our great Columbia River. The preservation of this painting will allow us to display it proudly once again showcasing the invaluable link to history held here within our walls.

Join this community project!

As part of our mission, the Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center makes efforts to conserve the thousands of items in our collection for generations to come. The painting “Sunset and Moonrise of the Great Chief, of the Ruling Spirit of the Columbia” is one item in our collection that is especially exciting due to its unique history. Over its life, the painting darkened and was in need of conservation to bring it back to its former vibrant glory.

Restoration included the original gilt frame that Stuart chose for his painting. The frame itself is a historic piece, much like the many other pieces from this era in our collections. It represents the era, the design and the grandeur the painter intended for his piece of art. Although restoring this frame is also quite costly, together the frame and art make a complete collection piece.

In addition to the restoration of the painting and frame, the piece had to be transported professionally with the utmost care to ensure no damage was incurred in the handling process.

All donors will be recognized on an Honor Wall during this project campaign, and those who contribute $500 or more will be honored in perpetuity at the unveiling of the restored painting with their name on a permanent plaque which will be hung at its side.

Click here to contribute with a credit card online, send your donation to Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center, 127 S Mission, Wenatchee, WA 98801, or call us for more information at 509-888-6240. Your contribution to this project is greatly appreciated.

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