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"The History of Los Angeles", Important Art Deco Mural Study w/ Major Landmarks

About the Item

A late entry in America's string of public murals painted in the 1930s, 40s and 50s telling the story of various towns and regions, this 1962 Art Deco study by Alexander Rosenfeld presents an array of modern and historical figures to relate the history of Los Angeles. At the center are a pair of steel workers erecting a modern building, and to either side are major landmarks across Los Angeles, including Grauman's Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Bowl, the famed Capitol Records building, Los Angeles City Hall and Griffiths Observatory in the distance. Flanking this remarkable frieze of modern buildings are a Spanish conquistador and Native American bricklayer on the right, and a cowboy on the left. The mural was later painted, with small changes, on a large scale -- the painting was 38 feet wide -- in 1962 for the Security Investment Mortgage Company, now defunct. The painter was Alexander Rosenfeld, who was born in Poland, and came to America to make his fortune, first working in New York and Boston. Samuel Goldwyn convinced Rosenfeld to move to Los Angeles and work for MGM, where he painted murals for classic films such as "Cleopatra," "The Ten Commandments," "Juarez", and "Lust for Life". He also became known for his portraits of leading Hollywood actors and civic figures, as well as Art Deco scenes of high quality. This painting is watercolor, pencil and gouache on paper. Dimensions include matte and frame; visible painting is 19.5 inches wide by 6.25 inches high.
  • Creator:
    Alexander Rosenfeld (Painter)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 15.25 in (38.74 cm)Width: 28.75 in (73.03 cm)Depth: 1 in (2.54 cm)
  • Style:
    Art Deco (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1962
  • Condition:
  • Seller Location:
    Philadelphia, PA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU865135668432

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