Property from the Family of
ALINE AND CHARLES LIEBMAN
The following six, rare John Marin etchings, here offered as separate lots, are often referred to as the series Six New York Etchings. Lots 49-54 were originally sold by Alfred Stieglitz to the present owners as a set.
In his catalogue raisonné, Carl Zigrosser referes to the six etchings when he says, "In assessing Marin's complete work I would say that they mark the climax of the expressive phase of his print oeuvre."
The subtitles "Dance", "Mosaic" and "Swaying" which Zigrosser applies to three of the six aptly characterize features of New York and its buildings that captivated Marin upon his return from Europe in 1911. In 1913, the same year that the artist created five of the six prints, he summarized his reactions to the city with the following words: "I see great forces at work; great movements; the large buildings and the small buildings; the warring of the great and the small; influences of one mass on another greater or smaller mass. Feelings are aroused which give me the desire to express the reaction of these 'pull forces'; those influences which play with one another; great masses pulling smaller masses, each subject to some degree to the other's power."
Alfred Stieglitz had been instrumental in enticing Marin back to America in 1911 by promising him financial support for his art and a place to exhibit it in New York. Stieglitz exhibited Marin's six etchings at his gallery at 291 Madison Avenue and then, around 1920, published them in editions ranging from approximately 10 to 30 impressions each.
The Family of Aline and Charles Liebman, from whom these rare and important works come, have a long history of involvement with American art and the generous support of its artists. Aline Meyer Liebman established a friendship with Stieglitz fostered, undoubtedly, by her own photographic interests and endeavors. Her sister-in-law, Agnes Meyer, was one of the original founders of 291, the avant-garde monthly named after Stieglitz's gallery (see lot 55).
JOHN MARIN (1872-1953)
Details
JOHN MARIN (1872-1953)
Brooklyn Bridge and Lower New York (Zigrosser 106)
etching and drypoint, 1913, on wove paper, a rich impression of this rare print, the tone carefully directed to enhance the recession of space and the effect of light reflecting off of the water, second (final) state, signed in pencil, inscribed 'Printed by John Marin/Sent out by 291', from the edtion of about 25, with full margins, the palest time staining at the bottom margin edge, traces of printer's ink on the reverse, otherwise in excellent condition
P. 6 7/8 x 9in. (175 x 228mm.)
Brooklyn Bridge and Lower New York (Zigrosser 106)
etching and drypoint, 1913, on wove paper, a rich impression of this rare print, the tone carefully directed to enhance the recession of space and the effect of light reflecting off of the water, second (final) state, signed in pencil, inscribed 'Printed by John Marin/Sent out by 291', from the edtion of about 25, with full margins, the palest time staining at the bottom margin edge, traces of printer's ink on the reverse, otherwise in excellent condition
P. 6 7/8 x 9in. (175 x 228mm.)