52

THOMAS WATERMAN WOOD

American, 1823-1903

"The Rescue", 1870

oil on panel
signed and dated lower center "T.W. Wood. / 1870", titled, signed, and dated on the reverse
20 x 13 3/4 in. (50.8 x 34.9 cm.), Frame: 27 3/4 x 21 3/4 x 2 in. (70.5 x 55.2 x 5.1 cm.)

  • Provenance: The Artist; Mr. Edward Kent, New York, New York; Christie's, New York, New York, June 21, 1978, lot 36; Private Collection, Florida
  • Exhibited: New York, New York, The Century Club, (as "Fireman Saving a Girl Descending from a Ladder") March 5, 1870; New York, New York, The Union League Club, March 10, 1870
  • Literature: "Harper's Weekly: A Journal of Civilization", (New York, New York, February 8,1873) (cover image)
  • Notes: This painting will be included in the forthcoming catalogue raisonné written by Paul Worman for the T. W. Wood Art Gallery, Montpelier, Vermont.
    Thomas Waterman Wood was a prominent 19th-century painter best known for his genre scenes depicting everyday life in America with warmth, empathy, and moral clarity. Born in Montpelier, Vermont, Wood initially trained as a portraitist before expanding his focus to narrative painting—a shift that brought him national recognition. His works often explored themes of humanity, dignity, and social justice, portraying people of different races and social classes with sensitivity and respect uncommon for his time.
    The Rescue (1870) exemplifies these qualities, portraying a fireman heroically saving a young girl as they descend a ladder from a burning building. Executed in oil on panel, the work captures both the drama of the moment and the tenderness. The dramatic lighting, with a warm glow from what is presumably the fire, and the dark, smoky background, heighten the sense of danger and heroism. The firefighter's helmet and boots are visible, and he is shown with a focused, determined expression, while the child, a young girl, looks back with wide eyes at the rescuer's act, rendered with Wood's characteristic realism and emotional depth. Exhibited at The Century Club and The Union League Club in New York shortly after its completion, the painting was also featured on the cover of Harper's Weekly in 1873—testament to its resonance with the public. Through dynamic composition and expressive detail, The Rescue stands as a moving tribute to courage and selflessness in the face of peril.
  • Condition: in good overall condition; scattered restoration to craquelure apparent under UV (additional photos available upon request)

    CONDITION REPORTS FOR THE AUCTION ARE AVAILABLE BY REQUEST. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR A CONDITION REPORT ON THIS LOT. THE ABSENCE OF A CONDITION REPORT OR THE ABSENCE OF A REFERENCE TO DAMAGE DOES NOT IMPLY THAT THE LOT IS IN GOOD CONDITION OR FREE FROM RESTORATION OR REPAIR.

    We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Shannon’s is merely a subjective qualified opinion. Frames on all paintings are sold "As Is". Frames may need some conservation. 
    NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD “AS IS” IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE. 

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

As a convenience to the Buyer, Shannon's LLC will make a referral for packing and shipping. For a preliminary quote you may contact Jeff Von Flatern at [email protected] or 203-453-8866, Levi Shmulsky at [email protected] or (860) 561-1369, or Kristen Vineyard at Village Express [email protected] or 203-481-7426.

Shipping is at the request, expense, and risk of the Buyer, and Shannon's assumes no responsibility for the items or the timing of delivery. Insurance for in transit items is the responsibility of the buyer.

October 30, 2025 6:00 PM EDT
Milford, CT, US

Shannon's

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 27% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000