Leon Kroll (1884-1974)

Valerie Ann Leeds writes of the present work, "Manhattan from Hoboken, 1915, combines both urban and pastoral aspects into a single composition, as well as incorporating Kroll's interest in train themes...It is a transitional work that incorporates Kroll's earlier city scenes with his increasing preoccupation with landscape subjects. In this work there is evidence of a new sense of plasticity seen in his rendering of the hillside...this plasticity can be traced to his admiration for the work of Cèzanne. His use of unusual perspective and the juxtaposition of nature and industry result in a dynamic and dramatic composition." (In the American Spirit: Realism and Impressionism from the Lawrence Collection, exhibition catalogue, St. Petersburg, Florida, 1999, p. 22)