Original 1970s Political Cartoon Featuring Maine Master Andrew Wyeth— Complete 2-Piece Matched Set with Signed Provenance Note

An extraordinary piece of 20th-century American art and political satire, this original pen-and-ink cartoon directly highlights Maine’s most celebrated iconic realist painter, Andrew Wyeth (1917–2009).

Created by two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning Boston Globe editorial cartoonist Paul Szep, the drawing skewers the high-profile January 1972 news headline featured in the artwork: "White House Denies Wyeth to Paint Nixon Portrait."

In the artwork, Wyeth—holding the newspaper—looks on as a card-shuffler/dealer (caricatured as a shifty Nixon-era operative) works a deck at an easel, while the caption typed below reads:

"They’ve obviously got someone else with a little more experience in mind."

This historic pair includes both the framed original artwork and the accompanying hand-written cover letter on official The Boston Globe letterhead, signed by Paul Szep himself.

The Andrew Wyeth Connection:

For collectors of Maine art and regional history, Andrew Wyeth needs no introduction. Renowned for capturing the rugged beauty, stark light, and coastal souls of Cushing and Knox County, Wyeth stands as one of the most famous American realism masters of all time.

In early 1972, national media erupted over reports that Wyeth—already an American titan—had been considered (and allegedly turned down or passed over) to paint President Richard Nixon's official White House portrait. This original cartoon captures that exact, famous moment in modern art history when Maine's legendary painter found himself at the center of a national White House media storm.

What’s Included in this Matched Pair:

1. Original Editorial Artwork Frame (1/2):

   • Hand-drawn pen, ink, and wash illustration on artist board.

   • Features the hand-lettered news article referencing Andrew Wyeth, typed caption, and original artist ink inscription to the side: "To SALLY: With all my best wishes - Paul".

2. Signed Provenance Letter Frame (2/2):

   • Original handwritten letter on vintage The Boston Globe stationery.

   • Reads: "Dear Sally: As I was going thru my stuff for a coming exhibition, it occurred to me that this particular cartoon gave you some pleasure. I hope you will accept it with my very best wishes. Paul"

Details & Specifications:

• Artist: Paul Szep (Editorial Cartoonist for The Boston Globe, 2-time Pulitzer Prize Winner)

• Subject: Legendary Maine Realist Painter Andrew Wyeth & President Richard Nixon White House Portrait Controversy

• Date: Circa 1972

• Medium: Original Pen & Ink on Board / Typed Paste-Up Caption / Signed Letter on Letterhead

• Framing: Professionally framed in matching black wood frames with gold inner fillets and custom mats.

• Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Ink remains crisp and deep, board shows light natural age-toning consistent with 1970s newsroom art production.