The Permanent Collection Today
Mrs. Philip Hale was used again in another student curated exhibition the 100 Years, 100 Objects from December 3rd 2012, to February 15th 2013 under the direction of Zephorene Stickney and Leah Niederstadt. The painting was used to highlight the beautiful piece as part of Wheaton's collection, but also to demonstrate the relationship between teachers and students in the creative process at Wheaton, that mirrors the relationship that Chase and Lillian Westcott had, regardless the circumstances the relationship developed under [1].
The portrait continues to be used for student research. It is valued for more than its aesthetic qualities, and it provides students with hands-on curatorial and research experience. The journey of Mrs. Philip Hale from the classroom in Hartford, to the studios in Long Island, New York or Boston, through the Lothrop families shows the complexity through which art travels-as more than a decoration or valuable investment, but a family heirloom and emotional tie—even if those values can no longer be deciphered. While Wheaton may never know the entire story of Mrs. Hale’s portrait, and her meeting with Chase, or the significance of the painting to Marie Ducharme Lothrop, Mrs. Philip Hale is a vital part of Wheaton's permanent collection and continues to be valued by generations of students.
Text Sources:
[1]100 Years, 100 Obejcts, Leah Neiderstadt and Wheaton Students, December 2012. http://issuu.com/100years100objects/docs/100years100objects. Accessed April 21, 2014.
Image Source:
http://wheatoncollege.edu/gallery/2012/100-years-100-objects/. Accessed April 22, 2014.