Martin Lewis (1881-1962), "Oncoming Storm," 1927
Martin Lewis
(1881-1962)
"Oncoming Storm," 1927
Oil on canvas laid to canvas
Unsigned
25 1/4 x 30 1/2 in.
Provenance:
Sold: Christie's, New York, NY, "Important American and European Paintings and Drawings from a Distinguished Private Collection," June 5, 1997, Lot 78
Sold: Butterfield and Butterfield, Los Angeles, CA, "American and California Paintings & Sculpture," June 25, 1998, Lot 5131
The Collection of Sybil Rosen and Robert Fisher, from the above
Other Notes:
A photocopy of a letter dated October 9, 1980 from Patricia Lewis, daughter-in-law of the artist, attesting to the authenticity of this work, accompanies this lot.
Martin Lewis was born in Castlemaine, Victoria, Australia. Lewis left home as a teenager and travelled widely, working as a merchant seaman and developing his skills as a draughtsman. He emigrated to the United States in 1900 and settled in New York City in 1909, initially working as a commercial artist. A visit to Britain in 1910 introduced him to the rich tradition of printmaking, and he subsequently became a highly accomplished printmaker, even teaching etching to his friend Edward Hopper. Lewis also travelled to Japan in 1920, spending two years studying its art and landscapes. This experience influenced his artistic approach, particularly his sensitivity to composition, atmosphere and the effects of light. Although he is best known for his dramatic New York street scenes, his wider body of work demonstrates a keen interest in the relationship between people and their surroundings.
"Oncoming Storm" from 1927 presents the artist's broader interest in everyday life, human activity and the character of particular places. Lewis's placement of the beach-filled figures as they emerge quickly out of the ocean, the contrast between solid forms and open space, and the dramatic and stormy light and shadow lend atmosphere and urgency to the scene.
Condition
Visual: Stabilized craquelure, particularly visible in the sky. A thin horizontal line of touch-up is visible to the naked eye in the center of the right side, measuring 1/8 x 6 1/2 inches. The canvas is wax-lned.Blacklight: In addition to the area mentioned above, there is a linear backward C-shaped area of touch-up near the center of the lower edge measuring 1 1/2 x 3 1/4 inches overall. Other scattered lines, dots, and small areas of occasional touch-up, particularly on the vertical edges. Other areas that fluoresce, but uncertain if it is touch-up or original pigment or ground showing through. Frame: 33 x 38 1/4 x 2 1/2 in.Condition reports are offered as a courtesy and are typically published in Moran's catalogue or can be made available upon request. The absence of a condition report does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of others. Buyers are responsible for determining to their own satisfaction the true nature and condition of any lot prior to bidding. Though buyers are not legally required to inspect lots prior to purchase, failure to do so may constitute a waiver of complaint that an item was not delivered in a condition equal to the existent condition at the auction.
Martin Lewis
(1881-1962)
"Oncoming Storm," 1927
Oil on canvas laid to canvas
Unsigned
25 1/4 x 30 1/2 in.
Provenance:
Sold: Christie's, New York, NY, "Important American and European Paintings and Drawings from a Distinguished Private Collection," June 5, 1997, Lot 78
Sold: Butterfield and Butterfield, Los Angeles, CA, "American and California Paintings & Sculpture," June 25, 1998, Lot 5131
The Collection of Sybil Rosen and Robert Fisher, from the above
Other Notes:
A photocopy of a letter dated October 9, 1980 from Patricia Lewis, daughter-in-law of the artist, attesting to the authenticity of this work, accompanies this lot.
Martin Lewis was born in Castlemaine, Victoria, Australia. Lewis left home as a teenager and travelled widely, working as a merchant seaman and developing his skills as a draughtsman. He emigrated to the United States in 1900 and settled in New York City in 1909, initially working as a commercial artist. A visit to Britain in 1910 introduced him to the rich tradition of printmaking, and he subsequently became a highly accomplished printmaker, even teaching etching to his friend Edward Hopper. Lewis also travelled to Japan in 1920, spending two years studying its art and landscapes. This experience influenced his artistic approach, particularly his sensitivity to composition, atmosphere and the effects of light. Although he is best known for his dramatic New York street scenes, his wider body of work demonstrates a keen interest in the relationship between people and their surroundings.
"Oncoming Storm" from 1927 presents the artist's broader interest in everyday life, human activity and the character of particular places. Lewis's placement of the beach-filled figures as they emerge quickly out of the ocean, the contrast between solid forms and open space, and the dramatic and stormy light and shadow lend atmosphere and urgency to the scene.
Condition
Visual: Stabilized craquelure, particularly visible in the sky. A thin horizontal line of touch-up is visible to the naked eye in the center of the right side, measuring 1/8 x 6 1/2 inches. The canvas is wax-lned.Blacklight: In addition to the area mentioned above, there is a linear backward C-shaped area of touch-up near the center of the lower edge measuring 1 1/2 x 3 1/4 inches overall. Other scattered lines, dots, and small areas of occasional touch-up, particularly on the vertical edges. Other areas that fluoresce, but uncertain if it is touch-up or original pigment or ground showing through. Frame: 33 x 38 1/4 x 2 1/2 in.Condition reports are offered as a courtesy and are typically published in Moran's catalogue or can be made available upon request. The absence of a condition report does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of others. Buyers are responsible for determining to their own satisfaction the true nature and condition of any lot prior to bidding. Though buyers are not legally required to inspect lots prior to purchase, failure to do so may constitute a waiver of complaint that an item was not delivered in a condition equal to the existent condition at the auction.
