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Grapefruit Moon Gallery

Original Art from the Grand Age of American Illustration

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Fine & Decorative Art

Eros

Artist:Unknown
Date:1936
Medium:Watercolor on Artist's Paper
Dimensions:Sight Size 11" x 15" Framed 18" x 21 1/2"
Condition:Excellent
Original Use:Of unknown usage - possibly illustration art
Detail
Detail
The artist's signature and date of '36 lower right
The artist’s signature and date of ’36 lower right
Framed and matted under glass in original frame
Framed and matted under glass in original frame
Verso label from Gallery of Graphic Arts - 1603 York Avenue, New York
Verso label from Gallery of Graphic Arts – 1603 York Avenue, New York

This signed 1936 watercolor by an unidentified artist presents a look at the life of an urban bohemian artist in Greenwich Village, New York. Mixing the malaise and grit of Great Depression-era NY with romantic nostalgia for the artist’s communities that flourished during the Ashcan school-period of the early 20th century, this scene presents a view of an artist attempting to find inspiration at the sight of his muse, a sensuously posed nude model, but sinking into debauchery as he cradles a drink in one hand with a tawdry book titled Eros laying on his table. On his wall, unseen by either the artist or model, are his previous creations, including a likeness of the napping dog at his feet. This is an inspired work of urban realism, that dates to the WPA period where unflinching looks at the hidden corners of life were becoming an increasingly popular subject matter for American artists.

Detail
Detail
Detail
Detail
Detail
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Verso view
Verso view

The watercolor is artist signed but we have been unable to make out the signature. The date after the signature reads clearly; 1936. The watercolor painting, in its original frame, has an old verso label from The Gallery of Graphic Arts in New York City, where this work was previously displayed and sold.

Verso view beneath original backing paper
Verso view beneath original backing paper
Notations on back of artwork
Notations on back of artwork

Eros

Artist: Unknown

Filed Under: Fine & Decorative Art, Sorry, It's Sold
Tagged With: 1930s, american, bohemian, Great Depression, new york city, nude, WPA
Added to Gallery: January 30, 2012

 

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