59

RICHARD HAYLEY LEVER

American, 1876-1958

"High Bridge Over Harlem River", ca. 1913

oil on canvas
signed lower right "Hayley Lever"
50 x 60 inches

  • Provenance: Clayton-Liberatore Gallery, Bridgehampton, New York; Spanierman Gallery, New York, New York; Private Collection, Connecticut
  • Exhibited: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Carnegie Institute, "Seventeenth Annual Exhibition", 1913, cat. no. 127, as "East River, New York" (awarded Honorable Mention); Yonkers, New York, Hudson River Museum, "Industrial Sublime: Modernism and the Transformation of New York's Rivers, 1900-1940", October 12, 2013 - January 17, 2014.
  • Literature: "Industrial Sublime: Modernism and the Transformation of New York's Rivers, 1900-1940", exhibition catalog, (Yonkers: Hudson River Museum, 2013), p. 130, cat. no. 37.
  • Notes: In an exceptional Lowy frame.

    Framed dimensions: 63 x 73 x 1 1/2 inches

    Born in Australia, Richard Hayley Lever came to America in 1911 at the urging of artist Ernest Lawson, whom he had met in Paris. Lever called New York with its astounding modernity "the most wonderful and delightful city in the world," and quickly made the city his primary subject matter. Lever's structured impressionist style was well suited to painting the geometric patterns characteristic of the urban landscape, particularly New York's bridges.

    High Bridge over the Harlem River is one of the most striking of his early career. Lever clearly conveys the massiveness of the bridge's structure as it rhythmically marches across the wintry landscape; it is just possible to see the busy pedestrian foot traffic, miniscule figures barely visible above the bridge railing.1

    The work is housed in an exceptional frame which adds to the dramatic height of the bridge and adds a beautiful contrast to the white snow.

    1 "Industrial Sublime: Modernism and the Transformation of New York's Rivers, 1900-1940", exhibition catalog, (Yonkers: Hudson River Museum, 2013), p. 130, cat. no. 37.

    Tags: oil painting, listed artist, New York City, bridge, 20th century, industrial
  • Condition: overall very good to excellent condition; relined canvas; a few very minor scattered dots of restoration

    We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Shannon’s is merely a subjective qualified opinion. Frames on all paintings are sold "As Is". Frames may need some conservation. 
    NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD “AS IS” IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE. 

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