Cyrus Dallin self-portrait.
The Dallin Museum is delighted to acquire Cyrus Dallin’s only two-dimensional self-portrait known to exist.
“This painting was quite a surprise to us,” says Geri Trembly, one of the museum founders.
A 20- by 26-inch oil painting depicts Dallin in middle age, wearing a tan suit and sporting dark hair graying at his temples and a silver goatee. He appears introspective and perhaps slightly weary.
Donated by the grandchildren of Daisy Dallin Southworth, Cyrus’s only sister, it can now be appreciated and enjoyed by everyone for generations to come.
The painting, however, is more than 70 years old, and had suffered a lot. The side nails (to attach the canvas to the frame) were rusted. There was also cupping on the paint and many bare spots.
The painting has since been restored.
Peter Williams Museum conservator services of Boston meticulously cleaned, relined with new backing and inpainted to correct any areas of loss. Stanhope Framers of Boston provided the period-appropriate, museum-quality framing.
Unveiling open to public
Join those involved Sunday, Sept. 26, from 2 to 4 p.m. (remarks at 2:30 p.m.), as they celebrate this and another masterpiece, “Mrs. Hall’s Letter“ (1884), at their debut opening. For more information, visit dallin.org.
“We’re planning an in-person event provided it is safe to do so. We’ll continue to monitor recommendations from the Mass. Department of Public Health,” says Director/Curator Heather Leavell.
Thank you for your support
The Dallin Museum thanks the Arlington Cultural Council, a local body supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and the Dallin family for their generous donations.
“This was our most expensive painting for restoration, because it’s one of our largest and also the stress it endured,” said Trembly.
The museum continues to gratefully welcome contributions to help offset the cost of this and other art-related projects. Donations can be made online at dallin.org or by sending a check, payable to the Cyrus Dallin Art Museum, to Dallin Museum, 611 Mass. Ave., Arlington, MA 02474. For more information, contact Heather Leavell, hleavell at dallin.org or 781-641-0747.
Dallin Museum
The Dallin Museum, 611 Mass. Ave., Arlington, is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 4 p.m.
Parking is available in the lot behind the building, accessible via Mystic Street.
You can also arrange a prescheduled tour for groups of 10 or fewer. To arrange a tour, contact Nancy Blanton, nblanton at dallin.org or 781-641-0747.
July 20, 2021: Discussion held about 3 women Dallin sculpted
This news announcement was published Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2021.
