Artist/Maker Bela de Tirefort (Austrian-American, 1894 – 1993)

Brooklyn Bridge

1939

Oil on artboard

Overall: 16 1/2 × 12 7/8 in. (41.9 × 32.7 cm)
Framed: 22 3/4 × 19 3/4 in. (57.8 × 50.2 cm)

Gift of Mrs. Florence Slobin in memory of Herman Slobin

1979.74

By utilizing subdued and bleak hues of gray and brown, the artist mixes a kind of routine perfunctory with a quiet sense of ever-present amazement at the architectural wonder of the Brooklyn Bridge. By adding the non-gendered yet true-to-life human element, the artist embodies a sense of reticent enduring appreciation that transcends all attempts at verbalized praise. Originally a European artist, Bella de Tirefort moved to NYC producing many works, which he often sold in Washington Sq.

DescriptionIllustrated is a view of a street corner, which is located in the shadows of the Brooklyn Bridge. On the foremost right corner stands a street light and two green-roofed multi-story buildings-one red and one light brown. The building closest to the street corner has a porch leading up to the second floor and a vendor sign in the front, possibly denoting a store located on the first floor of the building. On the opposite side of the street are two parked vehicles-one reddish-brown truck and one black car. At least three structures can be discerned, the salient of which is a two story red building with long black windows. Standing in front of that particular structure is a non-gendered individual who appears to be staring up in quiet awe at the architectural marvel located behind the several unimpressive structures on the left side of the street. It is also significant to note that the artist painted the street, the sidewalk, and the sky all in the same hues of gray and brown. Signed in lower left: DE Tirefort 39

Markingssignature and date: lower left: "De Tirefort / 39"

ClassificationsPAINTINGS