Johann Berthelsen
New York, Connecticut / Denmark, (1883-1972)
New York City - Federal Hall (formerly the Sub-Treasury) with Trinity Church
oil on canvas
signed lower right, framed.

Johann Berthelsen was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, and as a child relocated with his mother and many siblings to Mid-West America. He later moved to NYC and became known as a master impressionist painter of NYC wintry cityscapes. He also as worked as a singer and educator.

This cold wintry scene features the classic hustle and bustle of New Yorkers in the snowy streets walking around the massive grey buildings of historic Wall Street. On the right we have New York City's Federal Hall (this version of the building was built in 1842 and is tied to a series of important events in American history including a meeting place for the First Congress, a Customs House, the Sub-Treasury, a Public Library, etc.). On this overcast day we see a classic view of its steps and its Doric columns running along the building's Greek Revival façade; also featured is a statue of George Washington on a pedestal (marking the spot where he was inaugurated first president of the United States in 1789), and several other massive buildings of Wall Street. Looking through the crowds, past a couple of American flags and toward the painting's vanishing point--down Wall Street toward Broadway--we see a delicately painted version of the spire of the Gothic Revival Episcopal church, Trinity Church (this third version of the church was constructed in 1846). A poetically painted version of historic Wall Street in the wintertime.

Acquired: The Veerhoff Galleries, Washington, D.C.
18 x 21 1/2 inches