Lithograph and screenprint on aluminum
USA, 1997
Richard Haas (b. 1936) – American muralist
Signed and dated in black in lower margin ‘Richard Haas 97’
Numbered in black in lower margin ‘1/125’
Framed, floating in frame
Dimensions: 35 x 15 3/8 in. (88.9 x 39.5 cm.)
Overall dimensions: 42 x 23 in. (106.7 x 58.4 cm.)
Very good condition

As one who generally works with buildings as a muralist, Richard Haas has diverged here to depict a building in the lithograph medium. In this colorful print is America’s most iconic structure: the Empire State Building. Haas has highlighted the geometric architecture of this Art Deco building with a royal blue background. Moreover, he has illustrated the building’s most popular areas: the observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors.

Executed in 1997, this lithograph and screenprint on aluminum is signed, dated and numbered 1/125. The work measures 35 x 15 3/8 inches. In overall good condition.

Richard Haas (b. 1936)

Richard Haas’ earliest influences and exposure to the arts and architecture was through the Taliesen Foundation, founded by Frank Lloyd Wright, which he visited and worked at as a teenager in his home town. In 1958, Haas received his B.S. degree from the University of Wisconsin and his M.F.A. degree from the University of Minnesota in 1964. After nearly ten years of teaching printmaking, he gave up his full-time position to pursue his mural career in 1979. He also frequently depicts buildings in his print work. Over the years, Haas has received numerous prizes and honors for his mural work, including The American Institute of Architects Medal of Honor (1977), the Municipal Art Society Award (1977), fellowships from the National Endowment of the Arts (1987), the Guggenheim Foundation (1983), the Doris C. Freedman Award (1989) and the Honorary Alumnus of the year from his Alma Mater, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. His murals can be found throughout the United States, including on the façade of the main branch of the New York Public Library.