Howard Koslow (American, 1924-2016) "Old St Louis Post Office" Original Acrylic painting on Illustration Board. Signed lower right.

Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.

This painting is the original painting which appeared on the Fleetwood First Day of Issue Postal Card issued September 7, 1984.

The French Baroque architectural style that is so splendidly represented in the Old St. Louis Post Office has always elicited strong reaction from those who view it. People have either loved or hated the massive ornate structure. The initial construction of this vast building began in 1874, and progressed slowly, and meticulously for the next ten years. From its richly colored Missouri red granite basement walls to the majestic upper stories of sparkling gray granite, the massive exterior walls and columns rise in pristine condition through three stories and an attic level. The silhouetted profile of the Old Post Office once climaxed in a flourish against the sky with a cast iron cupola that rose sixty feet above the domed roof, a crowning feature that had to be removed in 1925. Yet, a French sculpture still decorates the crowning pediment of the central pavilion against the dome. Not as visible, but equally sound is the internal construction, with low vaulted masonry. The imprint of quality carries through the interior with solid mahogany doors with bronze hardware; richly ornamented cast iron stairways, columns, and door and window frames; imported encaustic tile floors; marble mantels, fancy plasterwork and exquisitely detailed fittings of the Post Office.

Image Size: 12 x 14 in.
Overall Size: 21.25 x 18 in.
Unframed.
(B07729)

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21.25 x 18 in