A book of paintings, drawings and watercolors by America's most widely admired contemporary artist. The one hundred and seventy reproductions, twenty-four in color, include many recent paintings and drawings not previously published or exhibited, as well as a comprehensive selection of Wyeth's best known works. Comments on each illustration identify the subjects and locations of the pictures and convey an impression of the character of Wyeth's sitters and of the circumstances under which certain works were created. David McCord -- distinguished poet and essayist -- records his reflections on the artist's work in the introductory essay. The book is based on the first major Wyeth exhibition in several years, which was held as part of the centennial celebration of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. The Museum's director, Perry T. Rathbone, has contributed a foreword on Wyeth and the realist tradition in American painting. - Jacket flap.