Johann Berthelsen, 1883-1972

Evening Lights, East Side, New York

Signed lower right: Johann Berthelsen

Signed lower right: H. Prellwitz

Signed lower left: W.E. Schofield

Signed lower right: Pauline Palmer.

Signed lower left: WM. S. ROBINSON

Signed lower left: MULHAUPT—

A truly stunning jewel and pertinent example of Berthelsen's charming New York City scenes. The artist was truly a master of capturing the magic of New York in all of its glory throughout the seasons. This piece is executed whimsically, yet dramatically evoking an emotion of wonder and beauty. The piece is signed lower right corner by the artist. Art measures 6 x 8 in Framed measures 15 x 17 in Johann Berthelsen was born in Copenhagen, Denmark on July 25, 1883. He was a member of the Salmagundi Club, the American Watercolor Society, and the Allied Artists of America. He exhibited widely and was the recipient of numerous awards including the Erskine Prize in 1928 in Chicago and in 1946, in Indianapolis, the Holcombe Prize. Known for his scenes of city streets in New York, he usually did paintings in pairs...

A truly stunning jewel and pertinent example of Berthelsen's charming New York City winter scenes. depicting "The Grand Army Plaza in Winter" The a...

A truly stunning jewel and pertinent example of Berthelsen's charming New York City winter scenes depicting Washington Square Park in the snow. An iconic scene that so many have come to love and cherish. The artist was truly a master at capturing the magic of New York City in all of its glory throughout the seasons. This piece is executed whimsically, yet dramatically evoking an emotion of wonder and beauty. The piece is signed lower right corner by the artist. Art measures 10 x 8 in Frame measures 12 x 10 in Johann Berthelsen was born in Copenhagen, Denmark on July 25, 1883. He was a member of the Salmagundi Club, the American Watercolor Society, and the Allied Artists of America. He exhibited widely and was the recipient of numerous awards including the Erskine Prize in 1928 in Chicago and in 1946, in Indianapolis, the Holcombe Prize. Known for his scenes of city streets in New York, he usually did paintings in...

23 1/4" x 27 1/2" in frame. Signed lower right.

Johann Berthelsen (1883 - 1972) Winter Quiet, Central Park, New York City Oil on canvas 12 x 9 inches Signed lower right; signed, titled and stamped on the reverse Provenance: Private Collection Eastern Gallery, New York Private Collection This work has been confirmed to be authentic by the artist's son, Lee Berthelsen. He was born in Copenhagen in 1883, the 7th of seven sons, to Conrad and Dorothea Karen Berthelsen. The parents moved in artistic and professional circles.  In 1890, his mother brought the children to America, settling in Manistee, Michigan, with her sister's family.  They would eventually live in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, a city on the shore of Lake Michigan. As a teenager, Johann was actively involved in choirs and singing groups.  And always, he loved to draw and paint.  Though obviously intelligent and curious, he was too impatient to take well to schoolwork and never went beyond the 5th grade. Although he worked at several trades, Johann's mind and heart were always with the arts.  As his voice matured, his always pleasant sound evolved into a rich and powerful baritone.  Having always wanted to be an actor, at the age of 18, the young man moved to Chicago where he reconnected with an old friend who was studying voice at the Chicago Musical College.    He was awarded the school's Gold Medal on two occasions, and after graduation he earned a job as the lead baritone with the newly formed Standard Opera Company which was owned by the Schuberts. For the next five years, Johann Berthelsen enjoyed a rich and varied career, touring the U.S. and Canada in operas, concerts, Gilbert & Sullivan, and operettas. Despite considerable success, the grueling pace of life on the road was difficult, and in 1910 he joined the voice faculty at Chicago Musical College.   Now, in addition to teaching and performing, he had more time to pursue his other personal interests, especially painting.  He became friends with the artist, Svend Svendsen, a noted landscape painter.  Svendsen's snow scenes especially intrigued him.  Though Berthelsen never formally studied with him, Svendsen would become a major influence in his choice of mood and treatment of light and shadow.  In 1913, at the age of 30, he became the youngest-ever head of the voice department at the Indianapolis Conservatory of Music. In Indianapolis, he began a friendship with the painter, Wayman Adams.  A native of Muncie, Indiana, Adams had studied with William Merritt Chase and Robert Henri in Spain and Italy and had already established a reputation as a portraitist.  Adams and Berthelsen were to remain best friends for the remainder of their lives.  Adams would paint many significant portraits of Berthelsen including a life-sized image of his friend preparing to go on stage. Although he kept a busy schedule producing student performances and personally appearing as a concert artist and actor, Berthelsen now had more free time to devote to his other interests including painting. He had a voracious appetite for knowledge in every field and, on one occasion, he agreed to appear on stage in a minor role so that he could observe the great tenor, Enrico Caruso.  Even years later, he relished the experience and said that Caruso was, in every way, everything a singer could possibly be.  Likewise, he spent hours discussing art with Adams and his other friends. In 1920, seeking to advance their careers, Berthelsen and Adams moved to New York, where both achieved rapid success.  From 1920 through the late '50s , Wayman Adams painted some of his best-known works.  Johann Berthelsen established a private school of singing instruction at the Rodin Studios and attracted a distinguished following, including Howard Marsh who created the lead in "The Student Prince," and Robert Halliday who starred in the original production of Romberg's "The Desert Song."  As a hobby, he created pastels and watercolors featuring New York scenes.  They were exhibited to excellent reviews, and in 1926, he was elected to membership in the American Watercolor Society. Established in New York artistic musical and theatrical circles, his professional reputation grew.  Financially comfortable, fulfilled and happy, the family was a part of the vital New York arts community. In 1929, the heady prosperity of the Roaring '20s dissolved in the Stock Market crash, and the arts were among the hardest hit sectors. With many Broadway theaters...

A truly stunning jewel and pertinent example of Berthelsen's charming New York City winter scenes. depicting "Madison Square on 5th Avenue and 23rd Street." The artist was truly a ma...

A stunning oil on canvas circa 1955 by American impressionist painter Johann Henrik Carl Berthelsen. The piece depicts a view of the illuminated waterfront buildings from the East River in New York - specifically the newly completed United Nations Building - contrasting against the inky-blue night sky. The river to the foreground is dotted with boats and lit up by the distant city lights. Signature: Signed lower right Dimensions: Framed: 33"x38" Unframed: 25"x30" Provenance: Private New York collection In 1913, Berthelsen moved to Indianapolis to become the head of the voice department at Indianapolis Conservatory of Music. He formed a lifelong friendship with painter Wayman Adams, who was the same age and had studied with William Merritt Chase and Robert Henri. Adams would paint many portraits of Berthelsen, including a life-sized image of his friend about to go on stage for a concert. Adams is credited by some as having provided painting instruction to Berthelsen, and they may have had a double wedding in 1918. In 1920, Adams (who was married to a fellow artist) and Berthelsen decided to move to New York City to further their careers. Berthelsen opened a private school of voice in the Rodin Studios building. According to the Berthelsen Conservancy, one of his pupils was a singer, dancer and entertainer named Helenya Kaschewski, whom he married on March 15, 1928. They had three children—a daughter, Karen, and two sons, John and Lee. He continued to pursue art, and in 1925 he was elected to the American Watercolor Society. He also mastered the pastel medium during the 1920s. With the Great Depression Berthelsen lost his voice students, and the family had to sell many of their possessions and move to an ever-smaller series of apartments. A fellow artist suggested painting in oils, which he began to do, and he had gradually increasing success in selling his canvases. In the mid-1930s he was also involved in several New Deal art...

Queensborough Bridge at night with lights of the city, smoke from the tub boats, a strong impressionist picture.

An oil painting on panel by artist Johann Berthelsen that showcases a view of Times Square in the Winter in New York City. Painting image measure 12 x 9 approximately 16 x 12 framed...

Johann Berthelsen and one of New York city’s best known artists along with Guy Wiggins, depicting the streets, parks and skyline of New York. When he first arrived in New York he ga...

A truly stunning jewel and pertinent example of Berthelsen's charming New York City winter scenes depicting Washington Square Park in the snow. An iconic scene that so many have come to love and cherish. The artist was truly a master at capturing the magic of New York City in all of its glory throughout the seasons. This piece is executed whimsically, yet dramatically evoking an emotion of wonder and beauty. The piece is signed lower right corner by the artist. Art measures 10 x 8 in Frame measures 12 x 10 in Johann Berthelsen was born in Copenhagen, Denmark on July 25, 1883. He was a member of the Salmagundi Club, the American Watercolor Society, and the Allied Artists of America. He exhibited widely and was the recipient of numerous awards including the Erskine Prize in 1928 in Chicago and in 1946, in Indianapolis, the Holcombe Prize. Known for his scenes of city streets in New York, he usually did paintings in...

A truly stunning jewel and pertinent example of Berthelsen's charming New York City winter scenes. depicting "The Grand Army Plaza in Winter" The a...

A truly stunning jewel and pertinent example of Berthelsen's charming New York City scenes. The artist was truly a master of capturing the magic of New York in all of its glory throughout the seasons. This piece is executed whimsically, yet dramatically evoking an emotion of wonder and beauty. The piece is signed lower right corner by the artist. Art measures 6 x 8 in Framed measures 15 x 17 in Johann Berthelsen was born in Copenhagen, Denmark on July 25, 1883. He was a member of the Salmagundi Club, the American Watercolor Society, and the Allied Artists of America. He exhibited widely and was the recipient of numerous awards including the Erskine Prize in 1928 in Chicago and in 1946, in Indianapolis, the Holcombe Prize. Known for his scenes of city streets in New York, he usually did paintings in pairs...

A truly stunning jewel and pertinent example of Berthelsen's charming New York City winter scenes depicting Washington Square Park in the snow. An iconic scene that so many have come to love and cherish. The artist was truly a master at capturing the magic of New York City in all of its glory throughout the seasons. This piece is executed whimsically, yet dramatically evoking an emotion of wonder and beauty. This painting is signed by the artist lower right and it comes housed in a French giltwood frame with hanging wire on verso ready to be displayed. Art measures 16 x 12 inches Frame measures 20 x 16 inches Johann Berthelsen was born in Copenhagen, Denmark on July 25, 1883. He was a member of the Salmagundi Club, the American Watercolor Society, and the Allied Artists of America. He exhibited widely and was the recipient of numerous awards including the Erskine Prize in 1928 in Chicago and in 1946, in Indianapolis, the Holcombe Prize. Known for his scenes of city streets in New York, he usually did paintings in pairs...

A truly stunning jewel and pertinent example of Berthelsen's charming New York City scenes. Here we find Central Park at night near the water and the Plaza Hotel depicted in the far right with pops of colors shinning through the lights and magic of the city. The artist was truly a master of capturing New York in all of its glory throughout the seasons. This piece is executed whimsically, yet dramatically evoking an emotion of wonder and beauty. This painting is signed by the artist lower right and it comes housed in a French giltwood frame with hanging wire on verso ready to be displayed. Art measures 18 x 22 inches Frame measures 25.5 x 29 inches Johann Berthelsen was born in Copenhagen, Denmark on July 25, 1883. He was a member of the Salmagundi Club, the American Watercolor Society, and the Allied Artists of America. He exhibited widely and was the recipient of numerous awards including the Erskine Prize in 1928 in Chicago and in 1946, in Indianapolis, the Holcombe Prize. Known for his scenes of city streets in New York, he usually did paintings in pairs...

A stunning oil on canvas circa 1955 by American impressionist painter Johann Henrik Carl Berthelsen. The piece depicts a view of the illuminated waterfront buildings from the East River in New York - specifically the newly completed United Nations Building - contrasting against the inky-blue night sky. The river to the foreground is dotted with boats and lit up by the distant city lights. Signature: Signed lower right Dimensions: Framed: 33"x38" Unframed: 25"x30" Provenance: Private New York collection In 1913, Berthelsen moved to Indianapolis to become the head of the voice department at Indianapolis Conservatory of Music. He formed a lifelong friendship with painter Wayman Adams, who was the same age and had studied with William Merritt Chase and Robert Henri. Adams would paint many portraits of Berthelsen, including a life-sized image of his friend about to go on stage for a concert. Adams is credited by some as having provided painting instruction to Berthelsen, and they may have had a double wedding in 1918. In 1920, Adams (who was married to a fellow artist) and Berthelsen decided to move to New York City to further their careers. Berthelsen opened a private school of voice in the Rodin Studios building. According to the Berthelsen Conservancy, one of his pupils was a singer, dancer and entertainer named Helenya Kaschewski, whom he married on March 15, 1928. They had three children—a daughter, Karen, and two sons, John and Lee. He continued to pursue art, and in 1925 he was elected to the American Watercolor Society. He also mastered the pastel medium during the 1920s. With the Great Depression Berthelsen lost his voice students, and the family had to sell many of their possessions and move to an ever-smaller series of apartments. A fellow artist suggested painting in oils, which he began to do, and he had gradually increasing success in selling his canvases. In the mid-1930s he was also involved in several New Deal art...