Mr. Grayson became very wealthy in the West and commissioned this painting to tell his family’s story. He gave specific instructions to the artist, William Jewett, about the clothing, the setting, and other details in the portrait.
The people shown are the Graysons, and they were part of the great westward expansion of the United States during the mid-1800s.The Graysons traveled overland from Missouri to California in 1846, two years ahead of the Gold Rush that drew so many more fortune seekers to California.
Mr. Grayson became very wealthy in the West and commissioned this painting to tell his family’s story. He gave specific instructions to the artist, William Jewett, about the clothing, the setting, and other details in the portrait.
Terra Foundation for American Art
Daniel J. Terra Collection
Chicago, Illinois
Oil on canvas
50 3/4" by 64"