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John Grabach
New York scene done by John Grabach Artist "Trinity Church - Wall Street"

About the Item

Great Wall Street piece by John R. Grabach (March 2, 1886 – March 17, 1981) with expressive colors and figures. Grabach was a renowned American painter, best known for his evocative depictions of urban working-class life in New York City and New Jersey during the 1920s and 1930s. Born in Newark, New Jersey, Grabach displayed an early affinity for art, initiating his formal training with Albert Dick in Newark and later studying with August Schwabe in Orange, New Jersey. His artistic journey led him to the Art Students League of New York, where he honed his skills under the guidance of notable instructors like Kenyon Cox, Frank V. DuMond, and George Bridgman. In 1912, Grabach moved to Greenfield, Massachusetts, and though he continued working as a silverware designer, his primary focus shifted to his art. His impressionistic winter landscapes caught the attention of the art world, earning him recognition at prestigious exhibitions. Returning to New Jersey in 1915, Grabach immersed himself in the vibrant art circles of New York City, finding inspiration in the street scenes of Ashcan artists like John Sloan and George Bellows. The 1920s marked a pivotal period for Grabach as he delved into painting urban landscapes, setting up a studio in Brooklyn near the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. His works began to gain increasing attention, and in 1924, he received the prestigious Peabody Prize from the Art Institute of Chicago. However, as the Great Depression unfolded, Grabach's paintings underwent a profound transformation. The vibrancy of his earlier scenes gave way to a more somber and politically charged palette, reflecting the harsh realities of the time. Notable pieces from this period include "Wash Day in Spring" (1921) and "East Side, New York" (1924), capturing the essence of Americanism and social relevance. In 1928, the Art Institute of Chicago hosted a solo exhibition of his work, solidifying his place in the art world. In 1939, Grabach's painting "Taking the Hurdles" was featured at the World Fair in New York, showcasing a departure from his earlier themes as he grappled with societal disconnect. Disillusioned with contemporary art trends, he turned to the Munich School for inspiration and focused more on teaching than exhibiting. Grabach's teaching career began in 1932, during the Great Depression, when he accepted a position teaching life-drawing at the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Art. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, he continued to paint and teach, contributing character studies in oil rather than large exhibition pieces. In 1980, the Smithsonian American Art Museum honored him with a one-artist exhibition. John R. Grabach's artistic legacy lives on not only through his compelling New York pieces but also through his influential book, "How to Draw the Human Figure," published in 1957. He passed away in 1981, leaving behind a rich body of work that continues to captivate audiences and scholars alike.
  • Creator:
    John Grabach (1886 - 1981)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 14 in (35.56 cm)Width: 18 in (45.72 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
    Stable fine craquelure throughout. Painting has recently been cleaned and varnished. Brand new hand-carved 22k gold leaf frame.
  • Gallery Location:
    Rockport, MA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU2222213491522

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