American Modern Art

Joan MITCHELL (1925-1992) Abstract Tree, 1969 Original lithograph (Atelier Arte) Signed on the plate On vellum, 77 x 56 cm (c. 31 x 22 in) INFORMATION: Rare proof on vellum, with ...

Backgammon Players - Swimming Pool Board Games Backgammon Summer Vacations by Slim Aarons 16 x 20" print. Limited Edition Estate Stamped Print. Edition of 150. Printed Later. "Back...

Charles Houghton Howard was born in Montclair, New Jersey, the third of five children in a cultured and educated family with roots going back to the Massachusetts Bay colony. His father, John Galen Howard, was an architect who had trained at M.I.T. and the École des Beaux Arts in Paris, and apprenticed in Boston with H. H. Richardson. In New York, the elder Howard worked for McKim, Mead and White before establishing a successful private practice. Mary Robertson Bradbury, Charles’s mother, had studied art before her marriage. John Galen Howard moved his household to California in 1902 to assume the position of supervising architect of the new University of California campus at Berkeley and to serve as Professor of Architecture and the first Dean of the School of Architecture (established in 1903). The four Howard boys grew up to be artists and all married artists, leaving a combined family legacy of art making in the San Francisco Bay area that endures to this day, most notably in design, murals and reliefs at the Coit Tower and in buildings on the Berkeley campus. Charles Howard graduated from the University of California at Berkeley in 1921 as a journalism major, and pursued graduate studies in English at Harvard and Columbia Universities before embarking on a two-year trip to Europe. Howard went to Europe as a would-be writer. But a near-religious experience, seeing a picture by Giorgione in a remote town outside of Venice, proved a life-altering epiphany. In his own words, “I cut the tour at once and hurried immediately back to Paris, to begin painting. I have been painting whenever I could ever since” (Charles Howard, “What Concerns Me,” Magazine of Art 39, no. 2 [February 1946], p. 63). Giorgione’s achievement, in utilizing a structured and rational visual language of art to convey high emotion on canvas, instantly convinced Howard that painting, and not literature, offered the best vehicle to express what he wanted to say. Howard returned to the United States in 1925, confirmed in his intent to become an artist. Howard settled in New York and supported himself as a painter in the decorating workshop of Louis Bouché and Rudolph Guertler, where he specialized in mural painting. Devoting spare time to his own work, he lived in Greenwich Village and immersed himself in the downtown avant-garde cultural milieu. The late 1920s and early 1930s were the years of Howard’s art apprenticeship. He never pursued formal art instruction, but his keen eye, depth of feeling, and intense commitment to the process of art making, allowed him to assimilate elements of painting intuitively from the wide variety of art that interested him. He found inspiration in the modernist movements of the day, both for their adherence to abstract formal qualities and for the cosmopolitan, international nature of the movements themselves. Influenced deeply by Surrealism, Howard was part of a group of American and European Surrealists clustered around Julien Levy. Levy opened his eponymously-named gallery in 1931, and rose to fame in January 1932, when he organized and hosted Surrealisme, the first ever exhibition of Surrealism in America, which included one work by Howard. Levy remained the preeminent force in advocating for Surrealism in America until he closed his gallery in 1949. Howard’s association with Levy in the early 1930s confirms the artist’s place among the avant-garde community in New York at that time. In 1933, Howard left New York for London. It is likely that among the factors that led to the move were Howard’s desire to be a part of an international art community, as well as his marriage to English artist, Madge Knight...

Joseph Stella was a visionary artist who painted what he saw, an idiosyncratic and individual experience of his time and place. Stella arrived in New York in 1896, part of a wave of Italian immigrants from poverty-stricken Southern Italy. But Stella was not a child of poverty. His father was a notary and respected citizen in Muro Locano, a small town in the southern Appenines. The five Stella brothers were all properly educated in Naples. Stella’s older brother, Antonio, was the first of the family to come to America. Antonio Stella trained as a physician in Italy, and was a successful and respected doctor in the Italian community centered in Greenwich Village. He sponsored and supported his younger brother, Joseph, first sending him to medical school in New York, then to study pharmacology, and then sustaining him through the early days of his artistic career. Antonio Stella specialized in the treatment of tuberculosis and was active in social reform circles. His connections were instrumental in Joseph Stella’s early commissions for illustrations in reform journals. Joseph Stella, from the beginning, was an outsider. He was of the Italian-American community, but did not share its overwhelming poverty and general lack of education. He went back to Italy on several occasions, but was no longer an Italian. His art incorporated many influences. At various times his work echoed the concerns and techniques of the so-called Ashcan School, of New York Dada, of Futurism and, of Cubism, among others. These are all legitimate influences, but Stella never totally committed himself to any group. He was a convivial, but ultimately solitary figure, with a lifelong mistrust of any authority external to his own personal mandate. He was in Europe during the time that Alfred Stieglitz established his 291 Gallery. When Stella returned he joined the international coterie of artists who gathered at the West Side apartment of the art patron Conrad Arensberg. It was here that Stella became close friends with Marcel Duchamp. Stella was nineteen when he arrived in America and studied in the early years of the century at the Art Students League, and with William Merritt Chase, under whose tutelage he received rigorous training as a draftsman. His love of line, and his mastery of its techniques, is apparent early in his career in the illustrations he made for various social reform journals. Stella, whose later work as a colorist is breathtakingly lush, never felt obliged to choose between line and color. He drew throughout his career, and unlike other modernists, whose work evolved inexorably to more and more abstract form, Stella freely reverted to earlier realist modes of representation whenever it suited him. This was because, in fact, his “realist” work was not “true to nature,” but true to Stella’s own unique interpretation. Stella began to draw flowers, vegetables, butterflies, and birds in 1919, after he had finished the Brooklyn Bridge series of paintings, which are probably his best-known works. These drawings of flora and fauna were initially coincidental with his fantastical, nostalgic and spiritual vision of his native Italy which he called Tree of My Life (Mr. and Mrs. Barney A. Ebsworth Foundation and Windsor, Inc., St. Louis, illus. in Barbara Haskell, Joseph Stella, exh. cat. [New York: Whitney Museum of American Art, 1994], p. 111 no. 133). Two Wood Ducks...

A Fine 1930s, Modern Academic Figure Study Drawing of a Standing Male Nude Model by Notable Chicago Artist, Harold Haydon (Am. 1909-1994). An exceptionally well executed, early 1930...

A Unique, 1960s Mid-Century Modern, European City View Watercolor by Noted Chicago Artist, Rudolph T. Pen. Artwork is formatted in a trapezoid shape, an innovative compositional dev...

Paul Simon's Live Concert Setup - Technical Drawing in Pen on Heavy Cardstock Detailed, accurate drawing of musical equipment for a live concert. The instruments and equipment are r...

Mid Century figurative painting of a pensive sitting nude figure with moody, mid-century color palette in the background. Attributed to Elmer S. Albritton, unsigned (American, 1922-...

An Exceptional, Vibrant Mid-Century Modern 1950s Chicago Night Club Scene of Dancing Showgirls. Titled "Dancers #2", the painting depicts a dynamic, sta...

This artwork titled "Vegetation III" 1963, is an original drypoint etching by noted American artist Peter Winslow Milton, b.1930. It is hand signed, titled, dated and numbered 14/50 ...

Jay Alan Babcock is a St. Louis-based graphic designer and painter. His work exhibits his interest in the visual language of Americana, including old ...

Portofino Harbour, 1955 - Yachts and Watercraft Moored in Portofino Harbour 16 x 20" print. Limited Edition Estate Stamped Print. Digital C-Type print. Edition of 150. Printed Later...

Original Victory Loan vintage poster. “In the Strength of Great Hope we must shoulder our common load” .. Buy Victory Bonds. Linen backed in very fin...

Original Harley-Davidson Daytona Poster - Iconic Motorcycle Brand Artwork for Enthusiasts. Archival linen backed and ready to frame. The poster from the 1980s was created by the ...

Michael Eastman (American, born 1947) "Candy Counter" Chromogenic color print (C Print) Bears label en verso hand signed, titled, dated, edition 3/5 Depicting a classic Americana c...

Oil on canvas

Mid Century Oil Landscape of Santa Clara Valley Before Silicon Valley 1947 Original oil painting depicting a landscape of Santa Clara Valley orchards, prior to the Silicon Valley bo...

Sleek Wooden Boat - Mid Century Modern Wall Hanging Sculpture Simple but elegant wooden sculpture of a boat by William Tripp (American.) The body of the boat is comprised on multipl...

Sloan was so fond of this composition that he made a painting after the etching ten years after its completion, in 1943. Completed in Santa Fe, the painting is now housed in the perm...

This grab shot depicts street photography of a sexy girl and a clown statue. It's characterized by a surreal tension between the two subjects - one facing the viewer and one walking ...

Early modern abstract daily life scene by Texas-born artist Frank Freed. The work features a central figure dressed in a red beret taking a sip from their glass as they sit at a bar....

This is a vintage poster titled "Realisation de la Ligue de la Croix-Rouge, Geneva," commemorating one hundred years of the Red Cross from 1863 to 1963. Due to its folds, the poster ...

Midcentury oil on canvas , Wharf scene, possibly Fishermans Wharf in San Francisco. Signed lower right. Mel Fowler (1921-1987) was a listed Italian-American painter known for his cub...

Etching on extremely delicate antique Japon laid paper, 12 x 5 (305 x 127 mm); sheet 15 3/4 x 7 1/8 inches (400 x 178 mm), full margins. In very good condition. A magnificently detai...

Blue Seas, 1984 - Cavallo Island Corsica, Mediterranean Photograph by Slim Aarons 16 x 20" print. Limited Edition Estate Stamped Print. Edition of 150. Printed Later. 'Blue Seas, 1...

American, Late 20th Century In the Manner of Lucio Ranucci Signed: Ramsey (Lower, Left) " The Red Balloon " Oil on Canvas 36" x 24" Housed in a 3" Wood Frame with a 5/8" Linen...

Castello di Paraggi - Portofino Italian Riviera Ligurian Sea Photograph by Slim Aarons 16" x 20" print. Limited Edition Estate Stamped Print. Edition of 150. Printed Later. 'Caste...

This artwork "Untitled, Two Lovers" c.2000, is a watercolor with gold color addition on handmade paper by noted American artist Andrea Smith, b.1965. It is hand signed at the middle ...

Etching with aquatint on white wove paper with a deckle edge, 23 1/2 x 17 1/2 inches (598 x 317 mm); sheet 30 x 22 1/2 inches (762 x 571 mm), full margins. Signed and numbered 23/50 ...

A Striking, 1950s Mid-Century Modern Ink Drawing of a Dancing Couple by Notable Chicago Artist, Harold Haydon (Am. 1909-1994). Depicting an embracing couple engaged in the classic, romantic "Apache...

Etching with aquatint in colors on white wove paper with a deckle edge, 18 x 15 inches (457 x 381 mm); sheet 30 x 22 1/2 inches (762 x 571 mm), full margins. Signed and numbered 123/...

Etching with aquatint on white wove paper with a deckle edge, 23 1/2 x 17 1/2 inches (598 x 317 mm); sheet 30 x 22 1/2 inches (762 x 571 mm), full margins. Signed and numbered 38/50 ...

Etching on delicate, fibrous Japon paper with a deckle edge, 8 7/8 x 4 1/8 (227 x 105 mm); sheet 12 x 7 7/8 inches (304 x 100 mm), full margins. Signed and dated in pencil in the low...

Casa Las Estacas, 1979 - Bougainvillea Flowers Jalisco Mexico Coastline Waves by Slim Aarons 16 x 20" print. Limited Edition Estate Stamped Print. Edition of 150. Printed Later. "C...

Nude with Drape, c. 1937, oil on board, 24 x 17 (oval), signed lower right, provenance: Frances Lee Kent Falcone Family Trust About the Painting Fletcher Martin’s Nude with Drape ...

Jay Alan Babcock is a St. Louis-based graphic designer and painter. His work exhibits his interest in the visual language of Americana, including old ...

Edward Avedisian ( 1936-2007 ) Gouache or oil on paper, 3 guys around a car, hand signed in paint lower left, Measures 30"x 22.5" Edward Avedisian (June 15, 1936, Lowell, Massac...

Leon Bibel, 'Unemployed Marchers', 2-color lithograph, c. 1938, edition 25. Signed, titled, and numbered '2/25' in pencil. A fine, richly-inked impression on off-white, wove paper, w...

Seymour Chwast (American, b. 1931) Three Pilots Ready for Take Off Mixed Media Painted Sculpture Hand-painted metal, (galvanized steel or aluminum) large wall hanging Hand signed to ...

"Sexy Miami Futuristic Cocktail Lounge" is a series of photographs by Ryan Rivadeneyra inspired by the Art Deco colors of Miami that show beautiful objects and textures arranged meti...

Original hand made, hand woven wall hanging modern art tapestry. Manufactura de Tapecarias de Portalegre (Portugal) (TMP Fino) tapestries are woven by hand on vertical looms. Arth...

"The Test (1970)" Man holding a woman steel sculpture with attachable pieces by William King. signed with cipher, numbered and dated 1970. William Dickey King...

Mid-century oil on masonite modern painting by the well known Russian/American artist, Nahum Tschacbasov. Signed top left and dated 1949. Titled verso. Condition is fair. Provenanc...

Original California Fun Map vintage poster from 1973. Archival linen backed in fine condition that is ready to frame. Artist: Darrel Millsap. This fun map...

Edmond Ceria, Brittany (Bretagne), 1953 — Original SNCF Travel Poster, Linen-Backed. An original 1953 French National Railroads (SNCF) travel poster for Brittany by Edmond Ceria (...

Clara Deike (American, 1881-1964) Hillside and Stream, 1916 Gouache on paper Signed and dated lower right 22 x 18 inches 25.5 x 21.5 inches, framed A graduate of the Cleveland Schoo...

Frank Nelson Wilcox (American, 1887–1964) High Pastures, Cattle Round Up, Wyoming, 1937 Watercolor on paper Signed and dated lower right, titled verso 15 x 20 inches 18.5 x 24 inche...

Frank Nelson Wilcox (American, 1887–1964) The Colorado At Needles, California, c. 1950 Watercolor on paper Monogram lower right, titled verso 14.5 x 20 inches 18.5 x 24 inches fram...

Color lithograph, 1979. An artist's proof impression, aside from the numbered edition of 175. Signed by the artist in pencil, lower right. Inscribed "AP" (artist's proof) in pencil...

Adriaan Lubbers New York City, The El at Chatham Square, 1930 Original lithograph Handsigned in pencil Numbered / 100 On Rives vellum 28 x 22.5 cm (c. 11 x 9 in) Very good condition

"Newman" is an acrylic photomosaic artwork by Destro. The first release in a series mosaic works called "Icons". Destro has created large prints which are made up of many hundreds o...

Jim’s of Lambertville is proud to offer this artwork by: Bror Julius Olsson “B.J.O.” Nordfeldt (1878 – 1955) Bror Julius Olsson was born in Tullstrop, Sweden in 1878. He immigrated to the United States in 1891, later adopting his mother’s maiden name of Nordfeldt. Beginning his art studies at the Art Institute of Chicago where he was chosen to assist fellow artist, Albert Herter, with a large mural project for the McCormick Harvester Company. In 1900, he was sent to Paris by McCormick to help set up the completed mural at the Paris Exposition. While there, he studied briefly at the Academie Julian before traveling to England to study woodblock printmaking under F. Morley Fletcher. Returning to Chicago in 1903, Nordfeldt would spend the next ten years painting mainly figurative works in an academic style similar to that of the Old Masters. By the mid-teens he had developed a bold dramatic modernist style and divided his time between New York and Provincetown, Massachusetts. There, he invented the “Provincetown Print...

Saint Kitts and Nevis, 1984 - Horse Riding on Caribbean Island near Palm Trees 16" x 20" print. Limited Edition Estate Stamped Print. Edition of 150. Printed Later. "Saint Kitts an...

Barbados Bliss - Ava Marshall American Socialite Barbados Portrait Bougainvillea by Slim Aarons 16 x 20" print. Limited Edition Estate Stamped C-Print. Edition of 150. Printed Later...

John DePol, 'Reflections', chiaroscuro wood engraving, 1979, edition 160 in 1983. Signed, dated and titled in pencil. Signed in the block, lower right. A superb impression, on cream ...

This is a pop art photo print of the original Stormtrooper toy from Kenner. "The Toys" by LA based Pop Artists DESTRO. This is the first release in the much anticipated series "The ...

Chicago: A. Ackermann & Son, Inc., 1930. Aquatint with engraving on heavy wove paper with a deckle edge, 15 1/8 x 12 inches (384 x 304 mm); sheet 24 1/2 x 17 1/2 inches (622 x 445 m...

Louis Lozowick, 'Corner of Steel Plant', lithograph, 1929, edition 25, and 10 printed in 1972; Flint 21. Signed, titled, dated, and numbered 'I/X' in penci...

Frank Nelson Wilcox (American, 1887–1964) Canyon at Evening, 1937 Watercolor on paper Signed and dated lower right 14 x 19 inches 18.75 x 24 inches, framed Frank Nelson Wilcox (Oc...

Andy Warhol (1928-1987) is arguably the most important American artist of the 20th century. He not only defined Pop Art but had an unrivaled influence on artists and image-making. In recent years there has been new scholarship and increasing commercial interest in Andy Warhol's early works, material created prior to Pop Art. During the 1950's Warhol established himself in New York City as a trendy illustrator contributing to a wide number of fashion publications and retailers. His simple line drawings were modern and gentle, with a subtle but unmistakably gay touch. In a short period of time, he created an aesthetic that was both versatile and distinctively his. Like the consummate artist that he was, Warhol was frequently drawing. The images he created during this era, independent from his fashion commissions, were romantic, hopeful, and unabashedly gay. It is worth emphasizing that Warhol was almost exclusively dedicated to drawing during this period, only creating a handful of paintings - which were intended to be used for window displays. Taschen, the legendary art book publisher, recently released the book Andy Warhol: Love, Sex, and Desire 1950-1962 which celebrates his drawings of the male form from the pre-Pop era. This portrait is a paradigm of Warhol's mastery of line and visionary framing. A man's profile commands the composition as he gazes forward with his hand raised towards his mouth, holding a delicate flower. With the lightest touch, Warhol masterly portrays this male ideal with the details of his chiseled jawline, softened gaze, and timeless elegance. Warhol drawings from the 1950s are marked by a gentle whimsy that embodies Warhol's vivid imagination. With fanciful details such as exaggerated lips and eyebrows, "Young Man with Flower...