Ye Olde Time Drugge Shop

The present work was commissioned in the late 19th century by Frederick Stearns, the owner of one of the country's largest drug manufacturers, who wanted a painting of an American pharmacy as it was when his company was founded in 1855. Using an old store in his hometown of Kennebunkport, Maine and local people as models, in Ye Old Time Drugge Shop, Abbott Fuller Graves captures the simplicity of old-fashioned small town life while also recognizing the idiosyncrasies of the individuals posing. He once said of his Maine community, "I love the place, the quaint characters and buildings, the stories, the old wharves--they are all dear to me. I love the people, too; there is a particular geniality about these people who are willing to adopt any sort of character or costume to help me paint a picture." (as quoted in The Wave, Kennebunkport, Maine, August 10, 1901, p. 2) With curious signs and mysterious bottles adding to the intriguing characters, Ye Olde Drugge Shop is a testament to not only Graves' attention to detail but also his subtle sense of humor.