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Charles Turzak Art

American, 1899-1986

Charles Turzak was born in Streator, Illinois. He was a printmaker, a painter, a muralist, a teacher and a graphic artist. Turzak received his art education at the Art Institute of Chicago and continued his studies abroad. He won wide recognition as an artist/author and illustrator through his woodcut biographies of Abraham Lincoln and Benjamin Franklin as well as other American Statesmen. Charles Turzak's work has been exhibited at the Art Institute of Chicago, Milwaukee, Kansas City, Missouri, Library of Congress and the University of Illinois to mention a few. He is listed in the Who's Who in 20th Century American Artists. Over the years his designs and illustrations for national publishers have brought Turzak many honors for his originality and creativity.

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Artist: Charles Turzak
A Colorful, Modern Maine Harbor Scene Painting, Pumpkin Island Lighthouse
A Colorful, Modern Maine Harbor Scene Painting, Pumpkin Island Lighthouse

A Colorful, Modern Maine Harbor Scene Painting, Pumpkin Island Lighthouse

By Charles Turzak

Located in Chicago, IL

A Colorful, Modern Maine Coastal Scene Painting, "The Island Light House" by Famed Chicago Artist and Printmaker, Charles Turzak (Am. 1899 - 1986). The painting depicts a vibrant, sunlit summertime painting of the historic Pumpkin Island Lighthouse, located near Penobscot, Maine. The painting is acrylic on canvas board, and has a great visual appeal- a perfect complement to any New England coastal home or summer cottage in Maine. Artwork size: 15 x 30 inches, accompanied with the artist's original, hand-painted period frame (Framed size: 18 1/2 x 33 1/2 inches). Titled and dated on artist's label on reverse. Provenance: Estate of the artist. Charles Turzak was one of Chicago’s greatest printmakers of the Art Deco-era. Son of a coal miner, Turzak was born in Streeter, IL in 1899. In 1920, Turzak won the first prize a cartoon contest sponsored by the Purina company and he used his prize money to enroll in the Art Institute of Chicago. Best known as a print maker, in the 1920s & 30s, he created woodcuts of many of Chicago’s most notable buildings, including the Merchandise Mart, Palmolive Building and the Old Water Tower, among others. In 1933, he was commissioned to create woodcuts of many of Chicago’s most iconic buildings to illustrate a guidebook called “All About Chicago” by John and Ruth Ashenhurst” that featured the upcoming Century of Progress Exhibition in Chicago. During the 1933 World’s Fair...

Category

20th Century American Modern Charles Turzak Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Board

A Large Mid-Century Modern, Cubist Art Deco Painting, "The Dancers"
A Large Mid-Century Modern, Cubist Art Deco Painting, "The Dancers"

A Large Mid-Century Modern, Cubist Art Deco Painting, "The Dancers"

By Charles Turzak

Located in Chicago, IL

A Large, Colorful, Modernist Art Deco Cubist Painting, "The Dancers" by Famed Chicago Painter and Printmaker, Charles Turzak (Am. 1899 - 1986). A large, vertical composition relating to the artist's notable 1930s woodcut of the same title. The painting is completed in a vividly textured Cubist style, with striking hues of rich greens and yellows, deep blues and rose pinks. The painting is oiI on canvas mounted to Masonite (artist's original mount), and offers a superb visual appeal. A perfect complement to any Mid-Century Modern home or collection. Artwork size: 38 x 24 inches (Framed size: 38 1/4 x 24 1/4 inches). Signed "Turzak" lower right. Provenance: Estate of the artist. Charles Turzak was one of Chicago’s greatest printmakers of the Art Deco-era. Son of a coal miner, Turzak was born in Streeter, IL in 1899. In 1920, Turzak won the first prize a cartoon contest sponsored by the Purina company and he used his prize money to enroll in the Art Institute of Chicago. Best known as a print maker, in the 1920s & 30s, he created woodcuts of many of Chicago’s most notable buildings, including the Merchandise Mart, Palmolive Building and the Old Water Tower, among others. In 1933, he was commissioned to create woodcuts of many of Chicago’s most iconic buildings to illustrate a guidebook called “All About Chicago” by John and Ruth Ashenhurst” that featured the upcoming Century of Progress Exhibition in Chicago. During the 1933 World’s Fair...

Category

20th Century American Modern Charles Turzak Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Masonite

'Under the Bridge' — 1930s Chicago, Modernist Color Woodcut
'Under the Bridge' — 1930s Chicago, Modernist Color Woodcut

'Under the Bridge' — 1930s Chicago, Modernist Color Woodcut

By Charles Turzak

Located in Myrtle Beach, SC

Charles Turzak, 'Under the Bridge', color woodcut, edition c. 50, 1934. Signed and titled in pencil. A fine, richly-inked impression, with fresh colors, on cream wove Japan paper; th...

Category

1930s American Modern Charles Turzak Art

Materials

Woodcut

'The Workers (No. 1)' — 1930s WPA Modernist Woodcut
'The Workers (No. 1)' — 1930s WPA Modernist Woodcut

'The Workers (No. 1)' — 1930s WPA Modernist Woodcut

By Charles Turzak

Located in Myrtle Beach, SC

Charles Turzak, 'The Workers (No. 1)', woodcut, edition c. 50, c. 1935. Signed and titled in pencil. Signed in the block, lower right. A fine, richly-inked impression, on cream wove...

Category

1930s American Modern Charles Turzak Art

Materials

Woodcut

'Loop Alley' — Modernist Chicago Cityscape, WPA
'Loop Alley' — Modernist Chicago Cityscape, WPA

'Loop Alley' — Modernist Chicago Cityscape, WPA

By Charles Turzak

Located in Myrtle Beach, SC

Charles Turzak, 'Loop Alley (Chicago)', color woodcut, edition c. 25, c. 1935. Signed and titled in pencil. A fine, richly-inked impression, with fresh colors, on cream wove Japan pa...

Category

1930s American Modern Charles Turzak Art

Materials

Woodcut

'Dancers' — 1930s American Modernism
'Dancers' — 1930s American Modernism

'Dancers' — 1930s American Modernism

By Charles Turzak

Located in Myrtle Beach, SC

Charles Turzak, 'Dancers', 1939, wood engraving, edition 100. Signed, titled, and numbered 72/100 in pencil. A fine, richly-inked impression, on off-white Japan paper, with full marg...

Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Charles Turzak Art

Materials

Woodcut

'The Workers (No. 2)' — 1930s WPA Modernist Woodcut
'The Workers (No. 2)' — 1930s WPA Modernist Woodcut

'The Workers (No. 2)' — 1930s WPA Modernist Woodcut

By Charles Turzak

Located in Myrtle Beach, SC

Charles Turzak, 'The Workers (No. 2)', woodcut, edition 50, c. 1935. Signed and numbered 2/50 in pencil. A fine, richly-inked impression, on cream wove Japan paper, with full margin...

Category

1930s American Modern Charles Turzak Art

Materials

Woodcut

A Large, Colorful 1960s Mid-Century Modern Florida Harbor Scene, "Sail Boats"
A Large, Colorful 1960s Mid-Century Modern Florida Harbor Scene, "Sail Boats"

A Large, Colorful 1960s Mid-Century Modern Florida Harbor Scene, "Sail Boats"

By Charles Turzak

Located in Chicago, IL

A Large, Colorful, 1960s Mid-Century Modern Florida Harbor Scene Painting, "Sail Boats" by Famed Chicago Artist and Printmaker, Charles Turzak (Am. 1899 - 1986). Titled "Sail Boats"...

Category

20th Century American Modern Charles Turzak Art

Materials

Canvas, Masonite, Acrylic

A Charming, Modern Maine Harbor Scene Painting, Lobster Traps & Fishing Boats
A Charming, Modern Maine Harbor Scene Painting, Lobster Traps & Fishing Boats

A Charming, Modern Maine Harbor Scene Painting, Lobster Traps & Fishing Boats

By Charles Turzak

Located in Chicago, IL

A Colorful, Modern Maine Coastal Scene Painting, "White Boat in Harbor" by Famed Chicago Artist and Printmaker, Charles Turzak (Am. 1899 - 1986). The painting depicts a vibrant, sunlit autumn landscape painting most likely painted near the quiet rural harbor town of Penobscot, Maine. The painting is acrylic on canvas, dates from the 1950s and has a great visual appeal- a perfect complement to any New England coastal home or summer cottage in Maine. Artwork size: 20 x 36 inches, accompanied with the artist's original, hand-painted frame (Framed size: 21 3/4 x 36 1/2 inches). Signed "Turzak", lower left; titled on artist's label on reverse. Provenance: Estate of the artist. Charles Turzak was one of Chicago’s greatest printmakers of the Art Deco-era. Son of a coal miner, Turzak was born in Streeter, IL in 1899. In 1920, Turzak won the first prize a cartoon contest sponsored by the Purina company and he used his prize money to enroll in the Art Institute of Chicago. Best known as a print maker, in the 1920s & 30s, he created woodcuts of many of Chicago’s most notable buildings, including the Merchandise Mart, Palmolive Building and the Old Water Tower, among others. In 1933, he was commissioned to create woodcuts of many of Chicago’s most iconic buildings to illustrate a guidebook called “All About Chicago” by John and Ruth Ashenhurst” that featured the upcoming Century of Progress Exhibition in Chicago. During the 1933 World’s Fair...

Category

20th Century American Modern Charles Turzak Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

A Colorful, Mid-Century Modern American Scene Painting, "The Farm"
A Colorful, Mid-Century Modern American Scene Painting, "The Farm"

A Colorful, Mid-Century Modern American Scene Painting, "The Farm"

By Charles Turzak

Located in Chicago, IL

A Colorful, Mid-Century Modern American Scene Country Landscape Painting, "The Farm" by Famed Chicago Artist and Printmaker, Charles Turzak (Am. 1899 - 1986). The painting depicts a vibrant, sunlit depiction of a Midwestern country farm, including a red barn and silo. The painting is oil on canvas, dating from the 1950s. A painting of a great visual appeal- a perfect complement to any collection. Artwork size: 23 x 25 inches, accompanied with the artist's original, hand-painted frame (Framed size: 27 1/2 x 29 1/2 inches). Signed "Turzak", upper right; titled on artist's label on reverse. Provenance: Estate of the artist. Charles Turzak was one of Chicago’s greatest printmakers of the Art Deco-era. Son of a coal miner, Turzak was born in Streeter, IL in 1899. In 1920, Turzak won the first prize a cartoon contest sponsored by the Purina company and he used his prize money to enroll in the Art Institute of Chicago. Best known as a print maker, in the 1920s & 30s, he created woodcuts of many of Chicago’s most notable buildings, including the Merchandise Mart, Palmolive Building and the Old Water Tower, among others. In 1933, he was commissioned to create woodcuts of many of Chicago’s most iconic buildings to illustrate a guidebook called “All About Chicago” by John and Ruth Ashenhurst” that featured the upcoming Century of Progress Exhibition in Chicago. During the 1933 World’s Fair...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Charles Turzak Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

A Large 1960s Mid-Century Modern Florida Harbor Scene Painting, "Shrimp Boats"
A Large 1960s Mid-Century Modern Florida Harbor Scene Painting, "Shrimp Boats"

A Large 1960s Mid-Century Modern Florida Harbor Scene Painting, "Shrimp Boats"

By Charles Turzak

Located in Chicago, IL

A Large, 1960s Mid-Century Modern Florida Harbor Scene Painting, "Shrimp Boats" by Famed Chicago Artist and Printmaker, Charles Turzak (Am. 1899 - 1986). Titled "Shrimp Boats", the painting depicts a tranquil harbor scene of fishing and sailing boats docked alongside a quiet boathouse. The painting is oiI on panel, dating from the 1960s, and has a great visual appeal. A perfect complement to any Florida coastal home or collection in the Keys. Artwork size: 17 1/2 x 25 inches, accompanied with the artist's original hand-painted, stepped panel frame (Framed size: 21 x 28 1/2 inches). Signed "Turzak" lower right; titled on artist label on reverse. Provenance: Estate of the artist. Charles Turzak was one of Chicago’s greatest printmakers of the Art Deco-era. Son of a coal miner, Turzak was born in Streeter, IL in 1899. In 1920, Turzak won the first prize a cartoon contest sponsored by the Purina company and he used his prize money to enroll in the Art Institute of Chicago. Best known as a print maker, in the 1920s & 30s, he created woodcuts of many of Chicago’s most notable buildings, including the Merchandise Mart, Palmolive Building and the Old Water Tower, among others. In 1933, he was commissioned to create woodcuts of many of Chicago’s most iconic buildings to illustrate a guidebook called “All About Chicago” by John and Ruth Ashenhurst” that featured the upcoming Century of Progress Exhibition in Chicago. During the 1933 World’s Fair...

Category

20th Century American Modern Charles Turzak Art

Materials

Oil, Panel

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Michigan Avenue Bridge — American Modernism
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Located in Myrtle Beach, SC

Charles Turzak, 'Michigan Avenue Bridge', 1929, woodcut, edition 50. Signed, titled, and numbered '27/50' in pencil. Signed in the block, upper left. A fine, black impression, on cream Japan paper, with full margins (1 5/8 to 2 1/4 inches), in excellent condition. Matted to museum standards, unframed. Scarce. Collection: National Gallery of Art. ABOUT THE ARTIST Charles Turzak was born in Streator, Illinois, the third child and only son of Czechoslovakian immigrant parents. His father was a coal miner who worked long days, and the many chores of daily life occupied Turzak’s boyhood years. When he completed his duties, he retired to do what he most enjoyed—the careful carving of miniature animals from peach seeds, which he would sell for pennies. Turzak learned woodworking from a neighbor, an English cabinet maker, and soon apprenticed for making violins. He drew cartoons for his school's yearbook and sale bills for local merchants. In 1920, he won a cartoon contest sponsored by the Purina Company in St. Louis, Missouri, which helped him earn entrance to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He excelled in drawing and woodcarving and gained membership in Delta Phi Delta, an honorary art fraternity. He supported himself through freelance advertising, selling insurance, and teaching a class in woodcut and wood engraving at the Academy of Fine Arts. By the late 1920s, he had gained recognition from exhibiting and selling prints of Northwestern University and Chicago landmarks such as the Chicago Water Tower, Tribune Tower, and Buckingham Fountain, as well as watercolors of steel mills, boats, harbors, skylines, woodlands, parks, and still life subjects. In 1929 he traveled to Europe to study the works of the masters firsthand, visiting England, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Austria, and France. He returned to the United States just as the Great Depression was taking hold of the country. During this severe economic downturn, Turzak created woodcut biographies of notable Americans—his first edition on Abraham Lincoln sold so well at the Century of Progress International Exhibition (Chicago World’s Fair...

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Charles Turzak, 'Merchandise Mart', 1931, woodcut, edition 50. Signed, titled, and numbered '33/50' in pencil. Signed in the block, lower right. A fine, black impression, on cream Japan paper, with full margins (1 3/4 to 3 inches), in very good condition. Matted to museum standards, unframed. Scarce. Collections: Art Institute of Chicago, Hubbard Fund, Library of Congress, Newark Museum. ABOUT THE ARTIST Charles Turzak was born in Streator, Illinois, the third child and only son of Czechoslovakian immigrant parents. His father was a coal miner who worked long days, and the many chores of daily life occupied Turzak’s boyhood years. When he completed his duties, he retired to do what he most enjoyed—the careful carving of miniature animals from peach seeds, which he would sell for pennies. Turzak learned woodworking from a neighbor, an English cabinet maker, and soon apprenticed for making violins. He drew cartoons for his school's yearbook and sale bills for local merchants. In 1920, he won a cartoon contest sponsored by the Purina Company in St. Louis, Missouri, which helped him earn entrance to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He excelled in drawing and woodcarving and gained membership in Delta Phi Delta, an honorary art fraternity. He supported himself through freelance advertising, selling insurance, and teaching a class in woodcut and wood engraving at the Academy of Fine Arts. By the late 1920s, he had gained recognition from exhibiting and selling prints of Northwestern University and Chicago landmarks such as the Chicago Water Tower...

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Located in Myrtle Beach, SC

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Charles Turzak art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Charles Turzak art available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Charles Turzak in woodcut print and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 20th century and is mostly associated with the Art Deco style. Not every interior allows for large Charles Turzak art, so small editions measuring 5 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Frank Wootton, Roger Soubie, and George Biddle. Charles Turzak art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,100 and tops out at $4,000, while the average work can sell for $2,200.

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