This lot features an original oil on board cityscape painting of New York City by Joseph Delaney (American 1904 - 1991). Delaney was an African-American artist who became a part of the New York art scene at the time of the Harlem Renaissance. Delaney was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, one of ten children of a Methodist minister. He was the younger brother of Beauford Delaney, with whom he shared an interest in drawing. In his late teens and early 20s, Delaney spent a period of years without a settled home before joining the Eight Illinois National Guard. In 1930, Delaney moved to New York where he enrolled in the Art Students League. His first teacher was Alexander Brook. He studied human anatomy under Thomas Hart Benton and experimented with the expressive line. He later cited Benton as a major influence, saying, "Benton will be with me always". During his free time, Delaney sketched the people and places around him. Joseph Delaney lived and worked in New York until 1986, showing his work in New York’s Washington Square for decades. In 1986 he returned to Knoxville to become an artist-in-residence at the University of Tennessee, a position he held until his death in 1991. Delaney's pieces are currently exhibited at the Art Institute of Chicago, Knoxville Museum of Art and several other notable institutions. Signed "Jos Delaney 57" lower right register. Very Good to excellent condition, small area of damage in the central top register from a rouge framing nail. This piece comes out of the Sims Estate, who were close personal friends of Alex Haley, writer of "Roots". Measures 18" x 40". Please See Photos for Details. Shipping Available.