Items Similar to "Plaza Hotel in Winter" Johann Berthelsen, New York City Snow Scene, Cityscape
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 11
Johann Berthelsen, 1883-1972"Plaza Hotel in Winter" Johann Berthelsen, New York City Snow Scene, Cityscape
About the Item
Johann Berthelsen
Plaza in Winter
Signed lower right
Oil on canvas
25 x 30 inches
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 shuttered and the Metropolitan Opera cutting salaries, Johann's pupils disappeared. One by one, the family's possessions melted away, and the family began an odyssey through a series of ever-smaller apartments. He described his plight to a fellow artist who responded, "If you could do in oil what you do in pastel, you'll be a great success." With what little money is left, he purchased art supplies and canvases and began to refine his technique in oil painting. He painted quickly and prolifically, his work bringing from $1 to $5 from some of the leading galleries. The proceeds went to buy food and milk. But as fast as he worked, it was sometimes not enough.
Of the many subjects he painted, the one that he would become most identified with was the city itself. The New York snow scenes - his most famous and popular works - burst with movement. Cars, trucks, taxis and people seem to rejoice in the snow that turns the city into a wonderland. He was able to maintain the pace of creation and the level of quality with a draftsman's precision, an unerring eye, and deep feeling. Though he was exclusively self taught he totally owned his craft and technique.
As his paintings become more visible and more popular, his reputation increased. His New York scenes were acquired by, among others, William Randolph Hearst and Richard Berlin, the president of Hearst's magazine empire, who purchased six paintings. In the mid-1930s, Berthelsen became involved in several New Deal art projects. By 1940, his reputation had grown to the point where he was asked to join The Lecture Bureau of the Columbia Broadcasting System.
With the end of the Second World War, the Depression finally ceased and in the first blush of post-war prosperity, the public again had the time and money to devote to the arts. As more prominent personalities began to collect his work, the demand for Berthelsen's paintings increased. The demand was such that, in 1950, the family returned to live in New York City. Throughout the next decade, increased demand enabled them to return to a more comfortable standard of living.
The 1960s proved to be an especially satisfying time for Johann and Helenya, as the children graduated from college and moved on to begin their own adult lives. Financial pressures lessened and, with his paintings commanding better prices, the couple contemplated a more relaxing lifestyle.
- Creator:Johann Berthelsen, 1883-1972 (1883 - 1972, American)
- Dimensions:Height: 32 in (81.28 cm)Width: 37 in (93.98 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1841213537872
About the Seller
5.0
Platinum Seller
These expertly vetted sellers are 1stDibs' most experienced sellers and are rated highest by our customers.
Established in 2021
1stDibs seller since 2022
59 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: New York, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
More From This SellerView All
- "Municipal Building, Manhattan, New York, " Ruth Anderson, Impressionist SceneLocated in New York, NYRuth Anderson Municipal Building, Manhattan, circa 1918 Oil on canvas 25 x 19 inches Ruth A. Anderson was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania in 1891 and die...Category
1910s Impressionist Figurative Paintings
MaterialsCanvas, Oil
- "Sensation in Wall Street, New York" Herman Hyneman, Jewish Artist, Gilded AgeBy Herman HynemanLocated in New York, NYHerman N. Hyneman (1849 - 1907) Sensation in Wall Street, New York, 1903 Oil on canvas 24 x 16 inches Signed and dated lower left Provenance: Roger King, Newport, Rhode Island Herman N. Hyneman was a noted American portrait and figure painter with ties to both Philadelphia and New York. He was born July 27,1849 to Leon and Adeline Hyneman in Philadelphia. ("Who Was Who in American Art" lists his birth date as either 1849 or 1859, but we have confirmed that the birth date is 1849). Virtually nothing is known about his early years, but given the fact that the family resided in a wealthy section of Philadelphia and the fact that he traveled to Paris to study in the studio of Leon Bonnat when he was but 20 years old, it is presumed that the family was financially comfortable if not well to do. Hyneman exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1879 and 1881, which was quite an accomplishment given his tender age. He returned to the United States in 1882 and after a year in Philadelphia, he established a studio at 58 West 57th Street, New York, NY, where he painted portraits to support himself and scenes of beautiful fair-skinned women walking in the snow to exhibit at major exhibitions throughout the United States. Hyneman exhibited at the the Brooklyn Art Association in 1882, 1883 and 1884 and at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in 1883 and 1888. Beginning in 1882 and continuing up until 1905, he exhibited regularly at the National Academy of Design. Despite the fact that he exhibited fourteen paintings at the National Academy over a span of three different decades, he was never elected as a member. In the 1880's his paintings sold for between $100 and $1500, which were substantial sums for that period. Hyneman also exhibited at the Salmagundi Club and the Philadelphia Art Club and was a member of each organization. He won a medal at the American Art Society in 1904 and also exhibited at the Chicago Art Institute. A handwritten label on one of his paintings indicates that he also exhibited in Budapest, Hungary. In 1892, Hyneman married the noted artist Juliet Jolley (aka Jolly), who had previously modeled for him. Thereafter, they shared a studio and on at least one occasion exhibited together. The February 5, 1896 edition of the "New York Times" reported on a "pleasant studio reception" at 58 West 57th Street where the paintings of both Herman and Juliet were shown to members of New York Society including Mr. And Mrs. Edwin Blashfield. At least one of Hyneman's Painting " A Sensation on Wall Street" which depicted a lovely young woman in fur coat with Muff in front of the Stock Exchange, was made into a post card and reproductions of his paintings are known to exist, although not plentiful. At least one etching is known, "Desdemona," which was reproduced in a book by Frederic Stokes. Herman Hyneman...Category
Early 1900s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings
MaterialsCanvas, Oil
- "Elegant Lady in Winter, Trinity Church, New York" Herman Hyneman, Gilded AgeBy Herman HynemanLocated in New York, NYHerman N. Hyneman (1849 - 1907) Elegant Lady in Winter, Trinity Church, New York City Oil on canvas 22 x 15 inches Signed lower right Provenance: Freemans, 2005, Lot 76 Herman N. Hyneman was a noted American portrait and figure painter with ties to both Philadelphia and New York. He was born July 27,1849 to Leon and Adeline Hyneman in Philadelphia. ("Who Was Who in American Art" lists his birth date as either 1849 or 1859, but we have confirmed that the birth date is 1849). Virtually nothing is known about his early years, but given the fact that the family resided in a wealthy section of Philadelphia and the fact that he traveled to Paris to study in the studio of Leon Bonnat when he was but 20 years old, it is presumed that the family was financially comfortable if not well to do. Hyneman exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1879 and 1881, which was quite an accomplishment given his tender age. He returned to the United States in 1882 and after a year in Philadelphia, he established a studio at 58 West 57th Street, New York, NY, where he painted portraits to support himself and scenes of beautiful fair-skinned women walking in the snow to exhibit at major exhibitions throughout the United States. Hyneman exhibited at the the Brooklyn Art Association in 1882, 1883 and 1884 and at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in 1883 and 1888. Beginning in 1882 and continuing up until 1905, he exhibited regularly at the National Academy of Design. Despite the fact that he exhibited fourteen paintings at the National Academy over a span of three different decades, he was never elected as a member. In the 1880's his paintings sold for between $100 and $1500, which were substantial sums for that period. Hyneman also exhibited at the Salmagundi Club and the Philadelphia Art Club and was a member of each organization. He won a medal at the American Art Society in 1904 and also exhibited at the Chicago Art Institute. A handwritten label on one of his paintings indicates that he also exhibited in Budapest, Hungary. In 1892, Hyneman married the noted artist Juliet Jolley (aka Jolly), who had previously modeled for him. Thereafter, they shared a studio and on at least one occasion exhibited together. The February 5, 1896 edition of the "New York Times" reported on a "pleasant studio reception" at 58 West 57th Street where the paintings of both Herman and Juliet were shown to members of New York Society including Mr. And Mrs. Edwin Blashfield. At least one of Hyneman's Painting " A Sensation on Wall Street" which depicted a lovely young woman in fur coat with Muff in front of the Stock Exchange, was made into a post card and reproductions of his paintings are known to exist, although not plentiful. At least one etching is known, "Desdemona," which was reproduced in a book by Frederic Stokes. Herman Hyneman...Category
Late 20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings
MaterialsCanvas, Oil
- "Day at the Beach, " Nikol Schattenstein, Sunny Seaside Belgian Figurative SceneBy Nikol SchattensteinLocated in New York, NYNikol Schattenstein (1877 - 1954) Day at the Beach Oil on canvas 27 3/4 x 33 1/2 inches Signed lower left Provenance: Descended in the family of the artist Estate of Howard Aronso...Category
Early 20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings
MaterialsCanvas, Oil
- "Bassin des Tuilleries and the Louvre, Paris, " Jules Herve, French ImpressionismBy Jules René HervéLocated in New York, NYJules Herve (French, 1887 - 1981) Bassin des Tuilleries and the Louvre, Paris, n.d. Oil on canvas 18 1/2 x 21 3/4 inches Signed lower left; signed on the reverse Provenance: Dominio...Category
20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings
MaterialsCanvas, Oil
- "A Man in His Garden, " Emil Carlsen, Backyard and Barn Impressionist LandscapeBy Emil CarlsenLocated in New York, NYSoren Emil Carlsen (1848 - 1932) A Man in His Garden, 1893 Oil on canvas 28 3/4 x 35 1/2 inches Signed and dated lower right Provenance: The artist [1848-1932] Macbeth Gallery, New ...Category
1890s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings
MaterialsCanvas, Oil
You May Also Like
- Edwardian Beach Scene, British 20th century oil on canvasLocated in Hillsborough, NCRichly-colored and vibrant Edwardian Beach Scene, British oil painting on canvas in impressionist style, presented in contemporary gold frame. The oil paint is raised and textured, lifting the beach sands, sea, sky and dresses from the canvas. Gathering in Edwardian period costuming looks out over the sands to the sea and clouds, with distant sailboats and children playing in the waves. This is a delightful contemporary painting, unsigned, but original oil dating to the 20th century. Framers tags verso from Oxford and Glasgow. In very good condition, with a few minor chips on the gold frame, but otherwise the painting is bright and beautiful. Provenance to gallery in the United Kingdom, imported by Saltire Gallerie...Category
20th Century Impressionist Figurative Paintings
MaterialsOil, Canvas
- Picking BlackberriesBy Charles Martin HardieLocated in Hillsborough, NC'Picking Blackberries' is a 19th/early 20th century oil on canvas painting of a Scottish coastal path view with yellow gorse and berry bushes. Children are picking berries or sitting enjoying the view overlooking the sea, depicting halcyon days of summer. Scottish artist Charles Martin Hardie...Category
Late 19th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings
MaterialsCanvas, Oil
- "Maritime Maternal" Oil painting 68" x 86" inch by Omar Abdel ZaherLocated in Culver City, CA"Maritime Maternal" Oil painting 68" x 86" inch by Omar Abdel Zaher Abdel Zaher is a graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts in Helwan and has been painting for three decades and has n...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist Figurative Paintings
MaterialsOil, Canvas
- Spanish landscape oil on canvas painting european art xx centuryBy Rafael DurancampsLocated in Barcelona, BarcelonaRafael Durancamps (1891-1979) - Landscape - Oil on canvas Oil measures 38x46 cm. Frame measures 58x66 cm. Rafael Durancamps i Folguera (Sabadell, March 29, 1891 [1] - Barcelona, Jan...Category
1950s Impressionist Landscape Paintings
MaterialsOil, Canvas
- Spanish school (XX) women on the beach oil on canvas painting seascapeLocated in Barcelona, BarcelonaOil measures 27x22 cm. Frame measures 38x33 cm. Signed Domenech.Category
1980s Impressionist Figurative Paintings
MaterialsCanvas, Oil
- "Venice Canal", 19th Century Oil on Canvas by Spanish Painter Ulpiano ChecaLocated in Madrid, ESULPIANO CHECA Spanish, 1860 - 1916 VENICE CANAL signed & located "U. Checa" Venezia (lower left) Also dedicated: "A Marguerite Pinédo affectueusement" ...Category
1890s Impressionist Landscape Paintings
MaterialsCanvas, Oil
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Kim Rogers
Wooden Kaleidoscope
Tom Trammel
David Tennant
Esther Shaw
West Sons
Royal Signature
Antique British Frame
Early American Picture Frames
New Home Sewing Machine
Queen Elizabeth Stained Glass Window
Impressionist Autumn Painting
Oil On Canvas Art Work Paintings
Medium Oil Paintings
P Marsh
Winter Morning In The Alps
Dusty Callas
Oil Paints Water