Chestnutting by Winslow Homer. Circa 1870.

1870 Chestnutting by Winslow Homer

Art That Funds Restoration

The prints from the eCommerce for Good American Chestnut Collection honor the legacy of the American Chestnut before the devastating chestnut blight killed billions of trees across their native range.

This museum-quality Giclée reproduction print evokes more than the essence of an iconic illustration—it pays homage to the golden age when the American Chestnut was one of the dominant tree species in eastern forests, making up 25% of the eastern Appalachian native forest. The American chestnut was valued for its strong, rot-resistant wood and edible nuts. Each purchased print is a bridge between the historical landscape and future restoration, with half of the purchase price directly supporting restoration development work.

A Storied Tradition

In the autumn of 1870, the American Chestnut reigned supreme—it was one in every four trees stretching from Maine to Georgia, a living cornerstone of American life. Winslow Homer's wood engraving, published in the October 29, 1870, edition of Every Saturday: An Illustrated Journal of Choice Reading, captures a poignant moment when children were not just observers of nature, but rather integral participants in its seasons. An original copy of this historic edition can be found in the Buffalo River Co library, serving as the direct source for our meticulously reproduced Giclée print.

Winslow Homer (1836-1910) was a prominent American artist known for his realistic depictions of rural and coastal life. His illustrations documented the everyday experiences of rural communities, capturing the economic and social roles of children in 19th-century American society. In this work, Homer portrays children engaged in chestnut gathering, highlighting the practical economic importance of this seasonal activity for rural families.

In the late 19th century, chestnut gathering was a practical necessity for rural families. Homer's illustration captures children collecting chestnuts that would be used to feed livestock, supplement family diets, and provide additional farm income. These nuts were a valuable resource in rural economies, with families and children playing a critical role in harvesting this seasonal crop. Before the chestnut blight decimated American forests, chestnuts were an integral part of agricultural life, supporting both human and animal sustenance across rural communities.

Hope for the Future

Today, faculty, scientists, students, and citizen scientist volunteers at SUNY ESF's American Chestnut Research & Restoration Project are continuing the work of innovators like Van Fleet. They are developing blight-tolerant trees that will enable the American Chestnut tree to thrive again in eastern Appalachian forests.

Essence of the Original – Created Just for You

Our digital archivists have breathed new life into Homer's original wood engraving. Carefully scanned from the pristine copy found in the Buffalo River Co library, the print preserves every nuanced line and subtle imperfection. The result is more than a reproduction—it's a time capsule, transporting viewers to a moment when the American Chestnut was not just a tree, but a symbol of resilience and abundance.

Each Giclée print is crafted to museum standards, using archival pigments and premium German etching paper. More than a piece of art, it's a testament to ecological memory and hope. We print the entire image as it was created, reproducing the artwork's aged patina, subtle imperfections, and signs of aging. The result is a Giclée print that looks as if you've discovered a treasured vintage piece—evoking the timeless essence of America during the time of the American Chestnut.

Each fine art print is made to order, ensuring exceptional detail and lasting beauty. Your museum-quality Giclée print arrives with a certificate of authenticity and history, connecting you to its unique story and the American Chestnut Heritage.

Heritage Print Specifications

• Museum-quality Giclée Print
• Hahnemühle 310gsm German Etching paper
• Archival-grade pigment ings rated for 100+ years
• Certificate of authenticity included
• Fully insured shipping with real-time tracking

For Walls that Whisper History

• Fine Art Print (11" x 14") Museum-quality Giclée print, delivered unframed
• Heritage Framed Edition (14x18") Our signature presentation, featuring your print in a Vermont-crafted solid ash frame with conservation-grade glazing. Select from timeless Black, crisp White, or warm Natural wood finish.

Your Purchase, Their Future, Our Legacy

When you purchase an American Chestnut Collection print, 50% of your purchase price becomes a donation:

• A $25 Donation from the purchase price of each Fine Art Print (without frame)
• The Donation to be determined from the purchase price of each Framed Fine Art Print (framed prints coming soon)

Donation Transparency

Through the purchase of the American Chestnut collection, 50% of the print purchase price becomes a donation that supports American Chestnut tree restoration through a verified, transparent process:

• Upon Purchase, a donation is made in your name to American Chestnut Restoration, Inc earmarked for the ongoing grant supporting the American Chestnut Research & Restoration Project at SUNY ESF (State University of New York, College of Science & Forestry)
• Receive official acknowledgment confirming your contribution
• 100% of customer donations fund critical research grants to SUNY ESF

Preserving Heritage. One Print and One Tree at a Time.