George Grosz (1893-1959)
Lot 149 Property from a Private Collection, United States

George Grosz (1893-1959)

Blue Sky (Manhattan Skyline)

Closed5 May 2011

Price Realised

USD 98,500

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George Grosz (1893-1959)
Blue Sky (Manhattan Skyline)
signed 'Grosz' (lower left)
watercolor and brush and India ink on paper
13 x 9 5/8 in. (33 x 24.5 cm.)
Painted circa 1946

Associated American Artists Galleries, New York.
Joseph H. Hirshhorn, New York (1951).
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Washington, D.C. (bequest from the above, 1966); sale, Sotheby's, New York, 17 December 1990, lot 320.
Private collection, New York (acquired at the above sale); sale, Christie's, New York, 29 September 2004, lot 66.
Acquired at the above sale by the present owner.

Specialist note

Ralph Jentsch has confirmed the authenticity of this work.

In 1945 George Grosz had been living United States for twelve years, during which period he had abandoned his harsh political commentary and biting caricatures in his art. In its place, Grosz looked to the street scenes of New York and the landscapes of Cape Cod, where he often spent summers. During this time he also taught as a professor at the Art Student's League.

The present watercolor reflects the influence of American illustrators, whom Grosz greatly admired, as well as the artist's affection for his new home.