Swann Galleries - 19th & 20th Century Prints & Drawings

180

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MARTIN LEWIS

Rainy Day Queens

Drypoint, 1931. 270x301 mm; 10

x11

inches, full margins. Edition of 70. Signed in

pencil, lower right.A brilliant impression with richly-inked burr, particularly on the figures

in the foreground, and with all the fine lines distinct.

Among Lewis’ most masterful prints are those depicting scenes of NewYork City life.These

prints have historical interest, as the imagery captures the architecture and urban scenery

of the time, while simultaneously incorporating ephemeral moments.The time of day, the

weather, the lighting, the street-level views—each aspect was important and added to the

atmosphere of the scene. Lewis’ use of shadows and light to create mood, life and

movement is most powerful in his NewYork prints.

Rainy Day, Queens

is among his most celebrated works, incorporating all of the aspects

that make these prints such cherished glimpses into NewYork’s bustling yester-year, while

simultaneously capturing the timelessness of city life. McCarron 94.

[20,000/30,000]