John Marin (American, 1870-1953)
Mark and Andrews Island from Deer Isle, Maine, 1920
watercolor on paper, 16 x 19 1/4 in.
Mark and Andrews Island from Deer Isle, Maine, 1920
watercolor on paper, 16 x 19 1/4 in.
As one of the first American abstract painters, John Marin was a visionary in his day; his work helped give rise to the Abstract Expressionist movement. Marin painted primarily in watercolor creating a unique blend of realism and abstraction in his depictions of American scenery. He devoted his energies to distinctly-American subject matter, particularly the energy and vitality of New York City, and the rugged beauty of Maine's coast.
This work depicts two small islands off of Deer Isle, Marin’s longtime summer home. The near-by 6-acre Mark Island once housed a working lighthouse, guiding marine traffic through the Deer Island Thorofare, while the tinier Andrews Island has long been one of the many uninhabited islands along the Maine coast. Marin first visited Maine in 1914, and from that point until the end of his life, the artist spent long periods there almost every year, often arriving in early summer and staying until Christmas. Maine became—along with New York—one of Marin’s enduring passions, its maritime vistas serving as a boundless source of inspiration.
During his life, Marin’s work was continuously shown at Alfred Stieglitz’s famed 291 Gallery, known for introducing America to many important avante-garde artists such as Rodin, Matisse, and Picasso. Marin participated in the seminal Armory Show in 1913, and was subsequently honored with exhibitions at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1924, and the Museum of Modern Art in 1936. Today Marin’s works can be found in many prominent museums including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the National Gallery of Art, and also in the Green Room of the White House.
This work depicts two small islands off of Deer Isle, Marin’s longtime summer home. The near-by 6-acre Mark Island once housed a working lighthouse, guiding marine traffic through the Deer Island Thorofare, while the tinier Andrews Island has long been one of the many uninhabited islands along the Maine coast. Marin first visited Maine in 1914, and from that point until the end of his life, the artist spent long periods there almost every year, often arriving in early summer and staying until Christmas. Maine became—along with New York—one of Marin’s enduring passions, its maritime vistas serving as a boundless source of inspiration.
During his life, Marin’s work was continuously shown at Alfred Stieglitz’s famed 291 Gallery, known for introducing America to many important avante-garde artists such as Rodin, Matisse, and Picasso. Marin participated in the seminal Armory Show in 1913, and was subsequently honored with exhibitions at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1924, and the Museum of Modern Art in 1936. Today Marin’s works can be found in many prominent museums including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the National Gallery of Art, and also in the Green Room of the White House.
Contact the gallery for additional information about this work:
art@cavaliergalleries.com or 203.869.3664
art@cavaliergalleries.com or 203.869.3664
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