Times Building at Night

Provenance

Sale, Finarte, Milan, Italy, Wednesday, December 11, 2024, lot 179 (incorrectly labeled as London at Night)

Private collection, New York, New York

Related Works

The Flatiron, New York, oil on canvas, 16 x 11 inches, signed lower left: Alfred East; private collection

Note

Times Building at Night was likely painted during East’s visit to the United States in 1910, when he also presented solo exhibitions at the Art Institute of Chicago, the Corcoran Gallery, and the National Arts Club. The painting depicts the original Times Building, now commonly known as One Times Square and once the headquarters of The New York Times. East appears to have been interested in the architectural and industrial advancements that made skyscrapers possible, including the Times Building, completed in 1904, and the Flatiron Building, completed in 1902, which he also painted. Here, East depicts the north side of the Times Building, looking south along Seventh Avenue and Broadway, and emphasizing its distinctive architectural setback and roof deck. He captures the bustle of the city while highlighting the building’s original Neo-Gothic design, which was stripped away during mid-century modernization. By the time it was painted, the building was also likely famous for its New Year’s Eve ball drop, which began in 1907 and was an immediate success.