Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Martin Lewis, print-maker, artist (1881-1962)






Martin Lewis, no, not that Martin Lewis, was a New York artist, originally from Australia. He had an extraordinary understanding of the play of light and shadow and created amazing night scenes. A photographer's eye. No, a cinematographer's. He seemed to have a love affair with the night or twilight. But he also etched, or painted, marvelous scenes with almost no shadows as well. Just magic.

I learned about Martin Lewis from one of the great brochures I received from The Old Print Shop.
Relics, 1928
Subway Steps












Great Shadow

Derricks at Night

Night in New York

Shadow Dance
A book online: Peeps at Great Cities- New York with illustrations by Martin Lewis

Haunted
Tree, Manhattan
Winter Moon
Arch Midnight

Passing Storm
Circus Night
Quarter of Nine, Saturday’s Children, 1929
Chance Meeting
 “Sandy Hook, Connecticut. The mailbox bears the name ‘Landeck,’ referring to Lewis's friend Armin Landeck"  
The Glow of the City. 1929
Shadow Magic
Late Traveler
Fifth Avenue Bridge
At the Wall, 1949
Stoops in the Snow, 1930
East Side Night, Williamsburg Bridge


Spring Night, Greenwich Village, 1930

The Little Penthouse, 1931

4 comments:

  1. Martin Lewis
    Has caught it - that is New York in the 30’s and 40’s. I grew up in New York during that period and looking at his work literally transports me back to that time and place that doesn’t exist any more. Martin lets me remember the sounds, smell the smells and hear the sounds of that period.

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    1. You're so right Lionel. Martin Lewis caught it. Thanks so much for your comment, it's very appreciated, especially from someone who lived it. Many good wishes to you.

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  2. just found this brilliant artist !!!! I can see how Hopper has been influenced

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  3. Thanks for sharing this brilliant underrecognized artist!

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