Items Similar to "Two Seas and a Moon" Surrealism American Scene WWII Modern WWI Denver WPA Era
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 8
Arnold Rönnebeck"Two Seas and a Moon" Surrealism American Scene WWII Modern WWI Denver WPA Era1943
1943
About the Item
"Two Seas and a Moon" Surrealism American Scene WWII Modern WWI Denver WPA Era
Arnold Ronnebeck (1885 - 1947)
Two Seas and a Moon
30 x 22 1/2 inches
Oil on Canvas, c. 1943
Signed upper left
Unframed
Provenance: Estate of the artist.
Exhibited at Denver Art Museum January 1943 and Santa Barbara Museum of Art June 1943.
From the artist's granddaughter:
Yes, it is surrealist. AR did about 15 paintings, mostly surrealist, in the early 1940s. A review in the Santa Barbara Press Telegram in June 1943 said that it was the Santa Barbara Museum of Art's first surrealist show.
WW2 brought up all sorts of issues for him regarding his experience in WW1. I think, but don't know for sure, that this work has something to do with his lying injured on the battlefield and staring at the moon. He wrote an essay in 1943 entitled "The Moon Stinks" describing the experience.
Concerning the figure. It is funny, all of my guy friends say it is a man. The women all see a woman. So, I don't know. Re the red up top. I always saw it as a woman's red hair. However, based on the idea of the battlefield, it could be blood.
The R-14. I don't know. My guess is it is Ronnebeck and 1914. He was injured in 1914. That is just a guess on my part.
The label with the title on was written by Arnold. There is a tag on a string also, but I don't know what that was for.
The painting will ship from the granddaughter's home.
BIO
Born in Nassau, Germany, Arnold Rönnebeck became a noted sculptor and lithographer and was a strong advocate of modernist art. He traced his lineage back to nobility, and his father was a professor of architecture, a subject that the son studied for several years. Rönnebeck served in the German Imperial Army in World War I, was injured in the line of duty and earned two Iron Crosses. He studied sculpture at the Royal Art School in Berlin and in Munich, and in 1908, moved to Paris where his teachers were Aristide Maillol and Emile Bourdelle. There he was a part of the avant-garde circle of Gertrude Stein, Marsden Hartley and Charles Demuth.
In 1921, still recovering from war wounds, he visited the Italian coastal village of Positano and executed landscape drawings from which he did his earliest prints. However, that subject matter, he also had sculptural focus and described the scenery as “one enormous work of sculpture, houses and rocks seemingly one.”
A year later, his fiancée Alice Miriam, a young American opera singer, died, and this tragedy combined with his family’s increasing financial problems, led him to immigrate to America. In 1923, he arrived in Washington DC and lived briefly with Miriam’s family before moving to New York City. There he became a part of the avant-garde circle around Alfred Stieglitz. Rönnebeck’s prints of the city skyscrapers reflected his fascination with the energy of that cosmopolitan atmosphere and showed his abstract, precisionist style and his emotional responses to that environment.
It was at this time that in addition to being a sculptor, he began to regard himself as a graphic artist. Working from photographs, he executed pencil sketches that served as the basis for his lithographs. Several of his prints were reproduced in Vanity Fair and Vogue magazines.
Through Stieglitz, Rönnebeck met Erhard Weyhe at whose gallery he had his first solo exhibition in April-May 1925. Composed of prints, drawings, and sculpture, the show had sixty pieces expressing subjects that had interested him for the last fifteen years.
That summer, Rönnebeck first went to Taos, where he was a guest of Mabel Dodge Luhan. He was encouraged by Marsden Hartley to visit this artist’s colony, and it was a life-changing experience relative to both his artistic and personal life. He was deeply impressed by the landscape and the native people. He met his future wife, Louise Emerson (1901-1980) whom he married in New York in 1926. The couple returned to New Mexico frequently through the late 1920s and 1930s. Rönnebeck completed a series of terra-cotta wall reliefs of Pueblo ceremonial dances for the public areas of the La Fonda Hotel in Santa Fe.
In 1926, the Rönnebecks settled in Denver, where he became Director of the Denver Art Museum. He resigned that position in 1930, but the couple remained in Colorado where both were active with the lively Denver art community. He continued to execute numerous lithographs of landscapes and townscapes, especially mining towns. Some of his prints were distributed nationally by the American Artists Group.
By 1940, he was deeply discouraged by World War II, which brought back the painful memories of World War I, and his artistic productivity declined. He died in 1947 at age 62, having been very much a part of the art scene of early 20th century America.
- Creator:Arnold Rönnebeck (1885 - 1947)
- Creation Year:1943
- Dimensions:Height: 30 in (76.2 cm)Width: 23 in (58.42 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Framing:Framing Options Available
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1156214186632
Arnold Rönnebeck
Modernist sculptor, lithographer and museum administrator, Rönnebeck was a noted member of European and American avant-garde circles in the early twentieth century before settling in Denver, Colorado, in 1926. After studying architecture at the Royal Art School in Berlin for two years beginning in 1905, he moved to Paris in 1908 to study sculpture with Aristide Maillol and Émile-Antoine Bourdelle. While there he met and befriended American modernist painter, Marsden Hartley, of whom he sculpted a bronze head that was exhibited at the Salon d’Automne in Paris in 1912 and the following year at Hartley’s solo show of paintings at Alfred Stieglitz’s Gallery 291 in New York. After World War I Rönnebeck traveled in Italy with German writer, Max Sidow, and German poet, Theodor Daubler, doing a series of drawings of Positano and the Amalfi Coast that formed the basis for his lithographs on the subject. The death of his finacée, the young American opera singer Alice Miriam in 1922 and his own family’s increasing financial problems in post-World War I Germany led him to immigrate to the United States in 1923. After living briefly with Miriam’s family in Washington, DC, he moved to New York where he became part of the avant-garde circle around Alfred Stieglitz. In the summer of 1925, as the guest of Mabel Dodge Luhan, Rönnebeck first saw Taos, New Mexico, which Marsden Hartley had encouraged him to visit. It was there that he met his future wife, Louise Emerson, an easel painter and muralist. A year later they were married in New York before relocating to Denver. He served as director of the Denver Art Museum from 1926 to 1930 where he invited Marsden Hartley to lecture on Cézanne’s art in 1928. Rönnebeck fostered the development of the museum’s collection of American Indian art and the curation of modernist art exhibitions. In addition to his work at the museum, he was professor of sculpture at the University of Denver’s College of Fine and Applied Arts from 1929 to 1935, and wrote a weekly art column in the Rocky Mountain News. In Colorado, the subject matter of his lithographs became the state’s landscape and its mining towns, as well as Native Americans from the pueblos in neighboring New Mexico. By the early 1930s Colorado’s old mining towns became a popular genre for artists because they were easily accessible, and their architectural components provided a welcome break from the nineteenth-century panoramic landscape tradition and the overwrought cowboy-and-Indian subject matter of the previous generation. As an amateur actor and music enthusiast, Rönnebeck had an additional connection with Central City. In June 1947, some five months before his death, the Denver Art Museum organized a solo exhibition of his sculptures, watercolors and prints. © copyright Stan Cuba for David Cook Galleries
About the Seller
5.0
Gold Seller
These expertly vetted sellers are highly rated and consistently exceed customer expectations.
Established in 2008
1stDibs seller since 2019
165 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Pawling, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
More From This SellerView All
- "Shattered" WPA Mid 20th Century Modernism American Scene Surrealism FigurativeBy Leon BibelLocated in New York, NY"Shattered" WPA Mid 20th Century Modernism American Scene Surrealism Figurative Estate stamp on the stretcher, verso. Provenance: Estate of the artist. 20 x 24 inches. BIO Leon Bibel continued painting through 1941 and resumed work in both painting and especially wood sculpture by 1960. He worked until his very last day in 1995. His last series of large wood sculptures were modeled on spice boxes, which were miniature buildings...Category
1930s American Modern Figurative Paintings
MaterialsCanvas, Oil
- UN Poster Design American Scene Mid 20th Century Modernism WPA World PeaceBy Jo CainLocated in New York, NYUN Poster Design American Scene Mid 20th Century Modernism WPA World Peace Jo Cain (1904 – 2003) We Are All Members of the Human Race: UN Poster Proposal 21 x...Category
1940s American Modern Figurative Paintings
MaterialsBoard, Egg Tempera
- UNION SQUARE Depression Era Oil Painting WPA Realism American Scene Realism NYCBy Jo CainLocated in New York, NYUNION SQUARE Depression Era Oil Painting WPA Realism American Scene Realism NYC Jo Cain (1904 – 2003) "Union Square," 24 x 36 inches. Oil on canvas, c.1940s, ...Category
1940s American Realist Figurative Paintings
MaterialsCanvas, Oil
- "At the Opera" WPA Social Realism Mid 20th Century Modern Theatre American SceneLocated in New York, NY"At the Opera" WPA Social Realism Mid 20th Century Modern Theatre American Scene John Winters (1904 - 1983) "At the Opera" 17 x 14 inches oil on canvas Signed and dated 1943 lower r...Category
1940s American Modern Interior Paintings
MaterialsCanvas, Oil
- "History of US Postal Service" American Scene Social Realism WPA Modern ChicagoBy Harold HaydonLocated in New York, NY"History of US Postal Service" American Scene Social Realism WPA Modern Chicago Harold Haydon "History of the U.S. Postal Service" 21 x 25 1/2 inches O...Category
1930s American Modern Figurative Paintings
MaterialsCanvas, Oil
- NYC Subway Mid 20th Century Modern American Scene Social Realism ContemporaryLocated in New York, NYNYC Subway Mid 20th Century Modern American Scene Social Realism Contemporary David Atkins (1910 – 2012) Subway Train Departure 24 x 30 inches Oil on can...Category
1960s American Modern Interior Paintings
MaterialsCanvas, Oil
You May Also Like
- "Au Debut dele Printemps" - "Early Spring" Surreal Figurative Tree ManBy Michael PaukerLocated in Soquel, CASurreal figurative abstract depicting a half man, half tree figure on a pedestal in a dream-like, abstracted white and blue space by Bay Area artist Michael Pauker (American, b. 1957...Category
Early 2000s Surrealist Figurative Paintings
MaterialsCanvas, Oil
- Large-Scale Surrealist Figurative Landscape, Homage To Daumier by Tarmo PastoBy Tarmo PastoLocated in Soquel, CALarge-Scale Surrealist Figurative Landscape, Homage To Daumier by Tarmo Pasto Compelling large-scale modernist oil painting titled "Homage To Daumier" by Dr. Tarmo Pasto (American, 1906-1986), c.1970. In this striking surrealist scene, a tall figure with spectacles, overcoat, and a top hat stands in the foreground and surveys a vivid dream-like landscape evocative of an expansive beach. A tiny figure on a horse resides on the bottom left of the bright blue canvas. Titled "Homage to Daumier" bottom left and signed "Tarmo Pasto" bottom right. Displayed in a painted frame. Image size: 42"H x 51"W. Framed size: 49"H x 58"W x 2"D. Dr. Tarmo Pasto was a psychiatrist and artist, who taught psychology and art through the 1970s at California State College at Sacramento since the schools inception. He also authored a book on art...Category
1970s Surrealist Figurative Paintings
MaterialsCanvas, Oil
- Color ShotBy Leonardo AguirreLocated in Los Angeles, CAUruguayan artist Leonardo Aguirre creates visually animated surreal scenes in a theatrical environment. Aguirre rearranges whimsical components into unexpectedly harmonious ways of surreal settings that could only exist in an alternate dimension. The idea of a colorful atmosphere with everyday recognizable signs and elements allows the art aficionado to imagine scenes one day and discover another story the next day. His work is a post-constructivist style that has roots in the legacy school of Torres-García. This one-of-a-kind 24-inch square original artwork is stretched, wired, and ready to hang. The sides are painted. It does not require framing and is signed by the artist on the front of the artwork. A certificate of authenticity issued by the art gallery is included. Convenient local Los Angeles area shipping. Affordable U.S. and global shipping is also available. Aguirre's architectural training is evident in his expert use of planes of color and precise brushwork to construct immersive, surreal environments that transport viewers to alternate dimensions. His whimsical rearrangement of everyday objects and recognizable signs creates unexpectedly harmonious settings that are visually stunning and emotionally evocative. Aguirre's artworks invite viewers to explore his mini-universes and discover new stories with each visit. Aguirre was born and lives in Montevideo, Uruguay. His works have been exhibited in Italy, Uruguay, Belgium, the UK, Argentina, Chicago, and Los Angeles. REPRESENTATION Artspace Warehouse, Los Angeles, USA EXHIBITIONS 2022 “Celebrating Latinx Artists”, Artspace Warehouse, Los Angeles, CA 2021 “Light On Your Feet”, Artspace Warehouse, Los Angeles, CA 2020 “Hidden Keyholes”, Artspace Warehouse, Los Angeles, CA 2018 Artspace Warehouse, Los Angeles, USA 2017 Art for the People Gallery, Austin, Texas, USA 2016 Artspace Warehouse, Los Angeles, USA 2015 Bohemian Art Gallery, Montevideo, Uruguay 2015 Rhizome Gallery, Las Vegas, USA 2014 Chicago Art Space Gallery, Chicago, USA 2014 10 años Trifecta Gallery, Las Vegas, USA 2013 Chicago Art Space Gallery, Chicago, USA 2013 Galeria Pueblo Garzón, Uruguay 2012 Trifecta Gallery, “6191”, Las Vegas, USA 2011 Golf Club, Montevideo, Uruguay 2011 Colectiva Bolosano Arts Hotel Piazza Mazzini 35 2010 Castells Art Gallery, Montevideo, Uruguay 2010 Nuestro norte es el sur Venice, Italy 2010 Ristoranti Cultural Space “il Simposio”, Trento, Italy 2010 Trifecta Gallery, Las Vegas, USA 2009 Mvd Art Gallery, The Famous Grouse, Montevideo, Uruguay 2009 Wallione de Bruxelles (Grand Place), Belgium 2009 Lido de Venezia Muestra Colectiva, Italy 2009 Agosto Torri del Benaco, Italy 2009 Palazzao della gran Guardia, Verona, Italy 2009 Museo Rawson, Pedro Meyer, Luis Camnitzer 2009 Lla Patagonia, Argentina 2009 Woburn Gallery Studios, United Kingdom 2008 Basilicata Collective Show, Italy 2007 100 Años Punta del Este...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Abstract Paintings
MaterialsCanvas, Oil
- L'epreuveBy Roberto MattaLocated in Palm Desert, CAA painting by Roberto Matta. "L'epreuve" is a surrealist painting, oil on canvas in palette of grays, greens, and yellows by Latin American artist Roberto Matta. It is signed in the ...Category
Mid-20th Century Surrealist Abstract Paintings
MaterialsCanvas, Oil
- "REST ME ON A CUCKOO CLOCK"By Yuri Martinez RamosLocated in Los Angeles, CAYURI MARTINEZ RAMOS "REST ME ON A CUCKOO CLOCK" OIL ON CANVAS, SIGNED, TITLED CUBAN-AMERICAN, DATED 2020 48 X 36 INCHES I wrote these words for the ...Category
Early 2000s Surrealist Figurative Paintings
MaterialsCanvas, Oil
- CheckmateBy Yuri Martinez RamosLocated in Los Angeles, CAYURI MARTINEZ RAMOS "CHECKMATE" OIL ON CANVAS, SIGNED, TITLED CUBAN-AMERICAN, DATED 2017 53.25 X 41.5 INCHES "Checkmate" is that great end-finale, that surprised everyone because you basically were playing or getting ready for a totally different game. An unexpected move from the governments who always have a "card up their sleeve" to screw you. Yuri Martinez Ramos was born in Havana, Cuba on November 24, 1964. He studied at the Elemental School of Plastic Arts from 1975 – 1979 and the National School of the Arts from 1979 – 1983. Martinez’ figurative paintings have been compared to Botero because of his satirical social commentary. His style, however, is uniquely his own with typically vibrant Latin colors and use of expressive magical realism. His paintings tell his story and the story of the Cuban dilemma. Martinez was granted permission by the US Justice Department after much effort with Cuban authorities to come to the US with his family and pursue his career outside Cuba. He now lives and works in Texas. Papillon Gallery...Category
2010s Surrealist Figurative Paintings
MaterialsCanvas, Oil
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Modern Surrealism
American Express Vintage
Wwii Art
American Surrealism Painting
1940s Era Art
War Surrealism
Mexican American War
German Surrealism
Native American Warror
Early American Ship Paintings
Native American War Art
Wwii Painting
Barbara Young
Imperial Era
Vintage Army Canvas
Vintage Moon Painting
Vintage See Saw
Imperial American