MARTIN LEWIS (AUSTRALIAN-AMERICAN, 1881-1962) "THE PASSING FREIGHT, DANBURY", drypoint etching on paper, a fine, crisp impression, pencil signed and inscribed "Trial Proof #2 / Martin Lewis" in lower margin, retains an early printed gallery label verso for Kennedy Galleries on Fifth Avenue in New York City. Housed in a modern frame. 1934. 8" x 11 1/2" plate, 16 1/4" x 19 1/2" OA.
Catalogue Note: Born in Australia, Martin Lewis (1881-1962) studied as a young man at the Julian Ashton Art School in Sydney. In 1900, he immigrated to the United States and, after a short stint in San Francisco, made his way to New York, where he began his artistic career in earnest. Dissatisfied with his work as a commercial artist in those early years, however, Lewis traveled to Japan in 1920, where he further honed his printmaking abilities. Upon his return to the United States with New York City in full bloom during the "Roaring 20s", Lewis entered the two most productive decades of his career in which he captured the city's iconic architecture and its people in striking, almost atmospheric depictions. During the Great Depression, he moved to Newtown, CT, where he continued his work as an artist, but returned to New York after World War II.
The present drypoint is an outstanding example of the artist's work and a classic representation of American Realism, reminiscent of the paintings of Lewis's contemporary and friend, Edward Hopper (1882-1967). A master of the nocturnal urban scene, Lewis was able to create visual representations in a noir-style that simultaneously convey fragments of a human narrative.

The important collection of H. Marshall Goodman Jr., Richmond, VA.

Excellent overall visual condition. Frame with very minor wear. Not examined out of frame.