Wells Fargo announced Monday it has donated a historic N.C. Wyeth painting to Thomas Edison State University — one the school called the most generous gift ever in its history.
The 17-foot by 12-foot oil canvas on mural titled “Reception to Washington on April 21, 1789, at Trenton on his way to New York to Assume the Duties of the Presidency of the United States” has been on loan to the university from the bank since 2013. In November, paperwork was finalized for the painting to be the sole property of the university.
“N.C. Wyeth’s ‘Reception to Washington’ is an important part of Trenton history, and we have been honored to display it in our foyer for several years,” Dr. Merodie A. Hancock, president, Thomas Edison State University, said. “We are extremely happy to receive this beautiful and historic painting from Wells Fargo and look forward to showcasing it even more in the future.”
N.C. Wyeth lived from 1882 to 1945 and was considered one of America’s greatest illustrators. During his lifetime, he created more than 3,000 paintings and illustrated 112 books.
“As a financial institution with more than 200 years of history in the state of New Jersey, we understand how important it is to maintain our historical treasures,” said Wells Fargo Region Bank President and Thomas Edison State University Board Member Carlos Arroyo. “We’re thrilled that this heirloom was able to find its home here at TESU, an institution that is doing outstanding work right here in the heart of the state capitol.”
“This extraordinarily generous gift of the beautiful N.C. Wyeth painting represents the most unique gift in our history,” said John T. Thurber, vice president, Public Affairs, Thomas Edison State University. “We are grateful to Wells Fargo for this remarkable expression of support for our mission, which also reflects our shared commitment to Trenton. The painting depicts an important moment in our capital city’s history. It is a great privilege to continue to display it within our Trenton campus, just a short walk from where the events it depicts took place in 1789.”
