Small Town Harlem

Kovner--Small Town Harlem@2x.jpg

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Description

At the time of this painting Harlem had the highest population density in New York, so it is a surprise to see remaining pockets of its originally rural identity. On the hill above, we see newer and more expensive housing.

About the Artist: Born in Rogachov, Russia, Kovner—who painted under the name “Saul”—immigrated with his parents in either in 1911 or 1912 to New York. He studied there at the National Academy of Design with Charles Hawthorne and William Auerbach-Levy. Kovner then set up a studio near Central Park, whose gregarious crowds seem to have influenced many of his works, regardless of their unflinching looks at poverty. In 1935, Kovner was one of three WPA artists assisting James Michael Newell on The Evolution of Western Civilization—a massive, 12-panel fresco at Evander Childs High School in the Bronx. Kovner moved to Burbank, CA in the late 1940s and remained there until his death. 6 works at Smithsonian American Art Museum. 1 work at the Detroit Institute of Arts. 1 work at Whitney Museum of American Art. 3 works at National Gallery of Art. 1 work at the Newark Museum. 1 work at Princeton University Art Museum. 4 more images at FAP.

Creator

Kovner, Saul, 1904-1982

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Original Format

Photograph of etching

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