Original painting by well-listed American artist, Rudolf Ruzicka (1883-1978).

Gouache, watercolor and pencil on paper. Matted and framed.

Signed (artists' monogram) and dated (Nov. 10, 1919) by the artist, lower left. Reverse of backing board with owner provenance.

Painting (sight through matte) - 5 1/4" x 6 1/2"

Frame - 13 1/4" x 17 1/4"

Depicting a rare historical view of Gramercy Park in New York City, executed in the Ashcan School style that was popular during the early 20th century.

This is the original painting that Ruzicki used as a reference design for the commissioned Christmas card (made as color wood-engraved prints by Ruzicka) for Dr. and Mrs. William S. Dennett in 1919. An example of that Christmas card is in the Carnegie Museum of Art collection. This painting has a penciled inscription on the reverse reading "W.S. Dennett - 36 Gramercy Park". It was owned by Dr. Dennett at the time, no doubt given to him by Rudolf Ruzicki. Dr. William Dennett was a well-known doctor and scientist and more information can be found concerning his achievements on the internet.

PROVENANCE : Dr. William S. Dennett, from the artist; Private New York City art collection.

CONDITION : Good condition. No damage or restoration. The painting is presently affixed to the back of the matte (could be removed by a conservator), but displays beautifully as it is framed. Period frame with very light wear. Glass in place.

NOTES / REFERENCES : Rudolph Ruzicka (1883-1978) was an American artist, painter, wood engraver, etcher, illustrator, typeface designer, and book designer. Born in Bohemia in 1883, emigrated to the United States at age ten, living first in Chicago where he took drawing lessons at the Hull House School before becoming an apprentice wood engraver. From 1900 to 1902 he attended classes at the Art Institute of Chicago. In 1903 he moved to New York to work as an engraver at the American Bank Note Company and at Calkins & Holden. He attended classes at the Art Students League of New York and the New York School of Art.

In 1910 Ruzicka set up his own studio in New York City. Many exhibitions followed, including at the Societe de la Gravure, Paris, the Grolier Club and the Century Association in New York City. In 1916 Ruzicka built a house and a workshop in Dobbs Ferry, New York where he produced paintings, woodcuts, and wood engravings.

In 1935 Ruzicka was awarded the Gold Medal from the American Institute of Graphic Arts. In 1948 he moved to Massachusetts, and eventually settled in Vermont.

Ruzickas work is in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, the Carnegie Institute Museum of Art, the Library of Congress, the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

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