Howard Norton Cook (American, 1901-1980)
Chrysler Building, 1930, edition of 50 (Duffy, 122). Signed and dated "Howard Cook imp 1930" in pencil l.r., titled in pencil l.l. Wood engraving on tissue paper, image size 10 x 6 5/8 in. (25.5 x 17.0 cm), unmatted, unframed.
Condition: Unpressed creases near corner l.l. (just affecting the image), plus minor additional handling creases, subtle staining to left edge, glue residue (possibly from binding) to left edge on verso.
N.B. Considered one of America's strongest print makers, Howard Cook was also a painter, muralist, illustrator, and teacher. He was born and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts , and trained at the Art Students League in New York beginning in 1919. It was during this time that he became interested in printmaking and worked with Joseph Pennell, among others, to explore etching and wood cutting techniques. Cook and his wife, artist Barbara Latham, travelled to Paris in 1929in part so Cook could learn lithography. When they returned to New York, Cook turned to the many construction projects in the city as subjects for his work. The subject of this work is the Chrysler Building. This iconic Art Deco structure opened in May of 1930, was the world's tallest building for 11 months before it was surpassed by the Empire State Building in 1931. The edition was intended to be 75, but only 50 were printed.
Estimate $2,000-2,500
The sheet measures 11 7/8 x 9 in.
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