Wall Street

Due to its historical prominence and captivating atmosphere, New York's Wall Street was a popular subject with American Impressionists in the early twentieth century. According to Dr. William H. Gerdts, "the view of Broad Street, looking toward Wall Street--a vista with a variety of architectural styles, accentuated by the New York Stock Exchange--was probably the most replicated urban image in early twentieth century America." (Impressionist New York, New York, 1994, p. 97)

Colin Campbell Cooper was particularly drawn to this area of the city which he considered "one of the grandest things ever concocted by man." (Impressionist New York, p. 99) This work owes its strength to features that are familiar in Cooper's most popular works, such as the contrast between the high buildings and the narrow empty streets as well as the ever-popular juxtaposition between the "old, low type of buildings...and the great skyscraper." (Impressionist New York, p. 101)