Washington Square, New York
by Alfred S. Mira (1900–1980)Oil on canvas board
16 x 11⅞ inches
Signed lower right: Mira
Information
Provenance
Private collection, California
Private collection, acquired from above
Sale, Bonhams, New York, New York, July 29, 2020, lot 46, from above
Artist Biography
Painting during the mid-twentieth century, Alfred S. Mira created intimate views of New York City’s most beloved landmarks. Perhaps inspired by the Realism and urban subject matter of earlier American art movements, Mira captured the atmosphere and scenery associated with particular sites, transporting viewers to Federal Hall, the Plaza Hotel, and the New York Public Library. In his more daring compositions, Mira painted angled, bird’s eye viewpoints, thereby creating what one critic categorized as “moving camera eye impressions.” Mira was noted as a gifted Realist; his paintings were exhibited at both Corcoran Gallery biennials and the Pennsylvania
Painting during the mid-twentieth century, Alfred S. Mira created intimate views of New York City’s most beloved landmarks. Perhaps inspired by the Realism and urban subject matter of earlier American art movements, Mira captured the atmosphere and scenery associated with particular sites, transporting viewers to Federal Hall, the Plaza Hotel, and the New York Public Library. In his more daring compositions, Mira painted angled, bird’s eye viewpoints, thereby creating what one critic categorized as “moving camera eye impressions.” Mira was noted as a gifted Realist; his paintings were exhibited at both Corcoran Gallery biennials and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts annuals.