From My Studio Window, a.k.a. The Builders by Gustave Baumann

From My Studio Window, a.k.a. The Builders by Gustave Baumann

From My Studio Window, a.k.a. The Builders

Gustave Baumann

Title

From My Studio Window, a.k.a. The Builders

 
Artist
Year
1909  
Technique
color woodcut 
Image Size
7 5/8 x 7" image 
Signature
unsigned 
Edition Size
10 known impressions 
Annotations
 
Reference
Chamberlain 13 
Paper
heavy laid Japanese 
State
 
Publisher
 
Inventory ID
AB3033 
Price
SOLD
Description

A stunning and unusual early composition by Gustave Baumann when he was living and working in Chicago. "According to Martin Krause, Baumann's studio in 1909 was located at 410 South Michigan Avenue. The steel girder construction outside his studio window is the McCormick Building at 332 South Michigan Avenue (a block from the Art Institute of Chicago)." - Chamberlain, p. 140, cat. 13, In a Modern Rendering - The Color Woodcuts of Gustave Baumann

This image was used as a frontispiece on page 3 of the Chicago Architectural Sketch Club's 1910 publication. Baumann's ability to depict depth and atmosphere in a small format is made starkly visible with the girders and figures nearly silhouetted against a soft blue sky. The men appear to walk amongst the clouds as they construct this landmark highrise.