[With]Coe Kerr Gallery, New York
Private collection, Millneck, New York, 1977 (acquired from the above)
By descent to the present owner

Tokyo, Japan, Mitsukoshi Main Store; Sapporo, Japan, Mitsukoshi Sapporo Branch Store; Kobe, Japan, Mitsukoshi Kobe Branch Store, Andrew Wyeth, October-December 1978, n.p., illustrated

Amaury Saint-Gilles, "Art: People and Places," Mainichi Daily News, October 28, 1978, n.p.

The sheet is hinged to its support at two places along the reverse top edge. There is minor mat burn along the extreme edges and a natural rippling to the sheet overall. There appears to be wear to the sheet consistent with the artist's technique.
In response to your inquiry, 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 Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
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 PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Open Water depicts an area below the lower dam outside Andrew and Betsy James Wyeth's home in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. The large buttonwood tree at the right extends over the falls which leads to the Wyeth family's mill. 

This watercolor will be included in Betsy James Wyeth's forthcoming catalogue raisonné of the artist's work.