No Place Like Home for Dorothy Weir: J. Alden Weir’s Portrait of his Daughter Acquired at Auction and Returned to Weir Farm NHP

There’s no place like home for one local Dorothy, and her return was made possible without any help from a wizard or GOOD witch needed.

The Dorothy in question is actually “A Portrait of Dorothy Weir” painted by her father J. Alden Weir, that was recently put up for auction. The Friends of Weir Farm National Historical Park partnered with Weir Farm National Historical Park to acquire the portrait at auction, and then the Friends of Weir Farm donated its ownership share to the park, so it will remain forever at the home Dorothy loved.

Visitors to Weir Farm NHP can see the portrait by taking a tour of the historic Weir House.

“Dorothy and her sister Cora championed Weir’s artistic legacy and worked to preserve their beloved farm,” Friends of Weir Farm NHP President Liz Castagna said. “The acquisition of this portrait of Dorothy Weir provides an exceptional opportunity for the park to more broadly interpret the story of Weir and his daughters.

The painting has documented ties to the history of Weir Farm NHP. J. Alden Weir painted the portrait of his middle daughter in 1904 when she was 14 years old. Dorothy and her sister Cora included the portrait in a scrapbook of their father’s career, citing its title, date and dimensions. The baroque style armchair Dorothy sits on in the portrait is in Weir Farm NHP’s collection, having been on site since the Weir family’s residency.

The acquisition of the portrait of Dorothy was made possible by a special fund managed by the Friends of Weir Farm in memory of Jessica Kuhnen, who served as the museum technician from 2011-2023. The acquisition is a particularly fitting tribute since Kuhnen was especially devoted to Dorothy Weir’s work and promoted her artistic talents. Kuhnen also celebrated Dorothy’s role in solidifying Weir’s reputation by editing his letters for publication and creating a catalog of Weir’s artwork. In a press statement, the Friends of Weir Farm extended heartfelt thanks to Kuhnen’s family, friends and colleagues who so generously made donations in her memory.

Additional funds for the purchase were also provided by an anonymous donor and from the Weir Farm NHP art acquisition donation account.

Weir Farm National Historic Park is located at 735 Nod Hill Rd.