We Dined in a Hollow Cottonwood Tree by Robert Griffing

 During the Celeron expedition, Father Bonnecamp describes in his journal a massive Cottonwood tree they found on the banks of the Ohio. His narrative tells of twenty-nine men sitting side-by side around the inside of a huge hollow tree. Cottonwood, however, are not native to the area and research indicates that he was probably describing a sycamore. In his image of this gathering, Griffing depicts the tree as a sycamore but out of respect for the historical documentation of Father Bonnecamp, the piece is titled with the Cottonwood reference.

Griffing's painting of this magnificent tree captures a moment of our history that is fascinating and often overlooked. Another interesting facet of the painting is the illustration of the immense cargo canoes used by the expedition. The need to transport over 200 men, supplies, and trade goods made these large canoes indispensable for their travel into the frontier.

Edition Size: 550 signed and numbered paper prints
Image Size: 28" x 18 1/4"
Price: $175.00

Canvas Edition: 125 signed and numbered giclee canvas prints
Image Size: 36" x 24"
Price: sold out