Joseph Stella, The Brooklyn Briidge


  I would love to be in New York,
travel to the Whitney Museum of American Art to view this almost 6 foot high oil painting.  I can image it is awesome.   Painted by Italian American artist, Joseph Stella (1877-1946) in 1939; it is titled: The Brooklyn Bridge.
  Just like last week's painting, today we have one that, again,, is almost symmetrical in design. Looking closely we can imagine the city at night with what is now called Art Deco imagery, but standing back the sweeping lines and pointed Gothic arches, stained glass window colored spaces hint of cathedral.  The stability, solidarity and mechanical aspects also combine to create a 1939 symbol of modern life.
    Joseph Stella had an interesting life.  He was born in Italy, spent time in Paris, but eventually made New York City his home, becoming one of the leading American artists to bring Futurism and modern painting movements to this country.  Throughout his life he experimented with a wife variety of styles, and he was an outstanding draftsman.  His later life and career were not as successful as his early years.
  Make Art a part of your life, it's a beautiful thing to do.

Comments

  1. charguthMay 11, 2020 at 7:17 AM

    I feel swept right into this strong, powerful composition. He has stayed with the primary colors, and the cathedral windows seem to give it a sense of reverence and majesty. I'm not a fan of his work, but I certainly respect it. The elements within the design are so interesting and cover a spectrum of New York. NY must have captivated him!!

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