1. Shadow Dance. Drypoint, 1930. Signed in pencil, inscribed “imp.” and “To N. Peter Rathvon Esq. With Sincere Regards May 5, ‘47.” Edition size 100, recorded impressions 109. Image size 9 1/2 x 10 7/8” (24 x 27.7 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #88. #3010-6 $65,000.00 Location is Park Avenue and Thirty-fourth Street looking west.
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2. Self Portrait with Etching Equipment. Drypoint and roulette, c.1953. Signed in pencil. Edition unknown, McCarron states recorded impressions 1, actual recorded impressions c.7. Image size 5 3/8 x 8� (13.6 x 21.5 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #145. #7612-3 $5,000.00
3. The Prints of Martin Lewis. A Catalogue Raisonne. Published by Meg Hausberg, Bronxville, NY, 1995. The definitive catalog raisonne on graphic work of Martin Lewis. Written by Paul McCarron, foreword by Albert Reese. 296 pages with 187 illustrations. 4to, with dust jacket. Biography on the artist, appendices about unidentified plates, test plates and printmaking techniques. Very good condition. #5892 $195.00
VOLUME LXXV
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Robert K. Newman, Editor
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NUMBER 5
MARTIN LEWIS (1881-1962) This is a remarkable collection of Martin Lewis prints assembled by a single collector over the past twenty-five years. The catalogue contains ninety-six of the artist’s graphic work and one study drawing. The exhibition will contain over one hundred of the artist’s graphic works, and on the second floor the shop will be featuring additional drawings, watercolors, and paintings by Lewis. A short biography on Martin Lewis – born June 7, 1881, in Castlemaine, Australia. Arrived in the United States c.1900. He was living and working as a commercial artist in New York City by 1909. Produced his first recorded etchings in 1915. That year a friend, Edward Hopper, asked Lewis to give him pointers on how to improve his etchings. He left for Japan in 1920 where he studied Japanese art and culture. His studies in Japan changed the direction of his art. Today, Lewis is considered one of the greatest printmakers of the first half of the twentieth century. His keen sense of composition and technical skill allowed him to chronicle urban life with its adverse weather conditions and obscure light sources. His images reveal a slice of time and are thus timeless. One feels the weather in such prints as “Stoops in Snow” or “Break in the Thunderstorm” or marvels at the lighting in “Shadow Dance” and “Quarter of Nine, Saturday’s Children.” 75
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4. Late Traveler. Drypoint, 1949. Signed in pencil, inscribed “trial proof #1.” Edition unknown, recorded impressions 12. Image size 9 7/8 x 11 7/8” (25 x 30 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #143. #23002-8 $80,000.00 The location is Union Square Park. This is the last great image the artist produced.
5. Yorkville Night. Drypoint, 1947. Signed in pencil. Edition unknown, recorded impressions 18. Image size 8 1/2 x 11 1/2” (21.7 x 29.3 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #140. #86143 $55,000.00 Two rejected titles: “Vanishing New York” and “Corner Fruit Stand.” The location is Eighty-ninth Street, under the Third Avenue El.
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6. Subway Steps. Drypoint, 1930. Signed in pencil, inscribed “No. 5 final proof after cutting plate.” Edition 100, recorded impressions 67. Second state of two. Image size 13 3/4 x 7 1/2” (35 x 19.1 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #90. #8613-3 $45,000.00 The copper plate is in the collection of the Detroit Institute of Arts. The child walking up the stairs is actually his son, Martin Lewis, Jr., standing next to the artist’s wife, Lucile.
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7. Glow of the City. Drypoint, 1929. Signed in pencil, inscribed “imp.” Edition 100, recorded impressions 110. Image size 11 1/4 x 14 1/4” (28.8 x 36.2 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #77. #126-8 $62,500.00 The building in the background is the Chanin Building. The church steeple is St. Gabriel’s Church which was demolished in 1939 to make way for the Midtown Tunnel.
8. Quarter of Nine, Saturday’s Children. Drypoint, 1929. Signed in pencil, inscribed “imp.” Edition 100, recorded impressions 107. Image size 9 7/8 x 12 7/8” (25.2 x 32.6 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #78. #1453-4 $45,000.00 The location is Thirty-fourth Street near Park Avenue. The title is derived from the nursery rhyme that begins with “Monday’s child is fair of face,” in which “Saturday’s child has to work for a living.” Martin Lewis had a studio at 145 East Thirty-fourth.
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9. Relics. [Speakeasy Corner.] Drypoint, 1928. Signed in pencil. Edition 100, recorded impressions 111. Image size 11 7/8 x 9 7/8” (30.2 x 62.6 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #74. #1576-5 $70,000.00 The location is the corner of Charles Street and West Fourth Street in Greenwich Village. Lewis was living a few blocks away on Bedford Street at the time.
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10. Which Way? Aquatint, 1932. Signed in pencil. Edition unknown, recorded impressions 53. Image size 10 3/8 x 15 7/8” (26.3 x 40.5 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #99. #1937-8 $45,000.00 This image shows a masterful use of aquatint, a tonal process of etching.
11. Study for Which Way? Drawing in black chalk and white heightening on blue paper, c.1932. Unsigned, most of Martin Lewis’ study drawings are unsigned. On verso “LDL 457.” This is the estate inventory number, LDL stands for Lucile Deming Lewis, the artist’s wife, and it is drawing #457. One of several study drawings for the aquatint entitled “Which Way?” McCarron #99. Martin Lewis often made many study drawings of a subject before committing the image to a plate. Very good condition. A stunning study drawing. #90753-1 $9,500.00
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12. Snow on the “El.” Drypoint and sandground, 1931. Signed in pencil. Edition 100, recorded impressions 49. Image size 14 x 9” (35.5 x 23 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #95. #89-7 $65,000.00 The location is Twenty-third Street and Sixth Avenue, showing the Sixth Avenue El. The Sixth Avenue stations were designed by Jasper F. Cropsey.
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13. Spring Night, Greenwich Village. Drypoint and sandground, 1930. Signed in pencil. Edition 100, recorded impressions 92. Image size 9 7/8 x 12 3/8” (25 x 31.4 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #85. #1587-3 $35,000.00 This print was awarded the Philadelphia Print Club’s Charles M. Lea Prize in 1931.
14. Arch Midnight. Drypoint, 1930. Signed in pencil. Edition 100, recorded impressions 99. Image size 8 1/8 x 11 5/8” (20.5 x 29.5 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #84. #11038-6 $19,500.00 Two rejected titles: “Archway, Midnight” and “The Arch over the Street, Astoria.”
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15. Break in the Thunderstorm. Drypoint, 1930. Signed in pencil, inscribed “final trial proof.” Second state of two. Edition 85, recorded impressions 66. Image size 12 3/8 x 9 7/8” (31.5 x 25.2 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #86. #2924-5 $39,500.00 The location is Thirty-fourth Street and Park Avenue.
MUSEUM QUALITY CUSTOM FRAMING The shop strives to frame every item in a style that beautifies the artwork and preserves it for future generations. We have a fine selection of antique frames and a remarkable selection of handmade moldings with custom finishes from hand painted to hand gilded. We use only 100% acid free matting, backing, UV protective plexi glass or museum glass. For a free quote, we welcome you to visit the shop.
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16. Wet Saturday. Drypoint, 1929. Signed in pencil, inscribed “imp.” Edition 75, recorded impressions 72. Image size 10 x 13 3/8” (25.2 x 26.5 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #81. #6760-4 $18,000.00
17. Windy Day. Drypoint, 1932. Signed in pencil. Edition unknown, recorded impressions 22. Image size 9 7/8 x 12” (25.2 x 30.5 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #97. #11207-3 $11,500.00 The location is Fifth Avenue at Sixtieth Street. Kennedy & Company (Kennedy Galleries today) was located at 785 Fifth Avenue. Kennedy & Company represented Martin Lewis from about 1927 to 1978.
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18. Bay Windows. Drypoint and sandground, 1929. Signed in pencil, inscribed “imp.” Edition 100, recorded impressions 104. Image size 11 3/4 x 7 7/8” (30 x 20 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #80. #9142-7 $38,500.00 The location is Madison Avenue at Thirty-fourth Street.
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19. East Side Night, Williamsburg Bridge. Etching, 1928. Signed in pencil. Edition 85, recorded impressions 69. Image size 9 7/8 x 12” (25 x 30.3 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #71. #7591-5 $15,000.00 This print won the 1929 Art Institute of Chicago’s prestigious Frank G. Logan purchase prize.
20. Derricks at Night. Drypoint, 1927. Signed in pencil, inscribed “imp.” Second state of two. Edition 100, recorded impressions 104 (including 3 trial proofs). Image size 7 7/8 x 11 7/8” (20 x 30.1 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #62. #1569-6 $13,000.00
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21. Shadows on the Ramp. Drypoint and sandground, 1927. Signed in pencil, inscribed “imp.” Edition 100, recorded impressions 75. Image size 9 x 10 1/2” (22.8 x 26.6 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #64. #9148-5 $16,000.00
22. Shadows, Garage at Night. Drypoint, 1928. Signed in pencil, inscribed “imp.” Edition size 75, recorded impressions 49. Image size 9 7/8 x 11 7/8” (25.3 x 30.3 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #69. #11043-4 $17,500.00
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23. Fifth Avenue Bridge. Drypoint, 1928. Signed in pencil, inscribed “imp.” Edition 100, recorded impressions 108. Image size 9 7/8 x 12” (25.3 x 30.3 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #72. #1586-10 $25,000.00 This print was awarded the Boston Art Club’s Purchase Prize in 1929.
24. Cathedral Steps. Drypoint, 1931. Signed in pencil. Edition 100, recorded impressions 42. Image size 10 3/8 x 16 3/4” (26.5 x 42.5 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #93. #347-3 $25,000.00 Location is the steps of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Fifth Avenue and Fiftieth Street. The windows in the background are of Saks Fifth Avenue.
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25. Corner Shadows. Drypoint and sandground, 1930. Signed in pencil. Published by “The Print Club of Cleveland.” Edition 242. (10 impressions for the artist and 232 for The Print Club of Cleveland.) Second state of two. Image size 8 3/8 x 8 15/16” (21.3 x 22.6 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #83. #10209-2 $14,500.00
26. Rain on Murray Hill. Drypoint, 1928. Signed in pencil, inscribed “imp.” Edition 100, recorded impressions 110. Image size 7 7/8 x 11 7/8” (20 x 30 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #75. #875-7 $32,000.00 The location is Thirty-fourth Street and Park Avenue. The building on the right is the 71st Regiment Armory, also known as the Thirty-fourth Street Armory, which was demolished in the 1960’s.
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27. (left) White Monday. Etching and aquatint, 1932. Signed in pencil. Edition unknown, recorded impressions 35. Image size 9 7/8 x 7 7/8” (25 x 20 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #98. Pair with steel-faced copper plate. #90733-1 $13,500.00 (right) White Monday. Steel-faced copper plate canceled, 1932. Printing from canceled plate unknown. Includes a posthumous impression from the canceled plate. Good condition, save for some rust on the steel facing.
28. (left) Sunday Garden Inspection. Drypoint, 1927. Signed in pencil, inscribed “imp.” Edition 50, recorded impressions 34. Second state of two. Image size 11 3/4 x 8” (30 x 20.2 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #67. #10939-3 $4,500.00 29. (right) The Boyfriends. Drypoint, 1927. Signed in pencil, inscribed “imp.” Edition 50, recorded impressions 30. Image size 9 7/8 x 7 7/8” (25 x 19.7 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #61 #7627-1 $6,500.00
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30. (above) The Lunch Counter. Drypoint, 1927. Signed in pencil. Edition 25, recorded impressions 12. Second state of two. First state is entitled “That Piece.” Image size 6 7/8 x 9 7/8” (17.6 x 25.2 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #56. Pair with steel-faced copper plate. #90727-1 $11,000.00 (below) The Lunch Counter. Steel-faced copper plate, canceled, 1927. Includes a posthumous impression from the canceled plate. According to McCarron 4 posthumous impressions of the canceled plate were printed in 1980. Good condition, some oxidation on the copper plate. McCarron #56
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31. Tabloid Readers. Drypoint, 1927. Signed in pencil. Edition 50, recorded impressions 19. Image size 6 7/8 x 9 7/8� (17.5 x 25 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #57. #14754-3 $20,000.00
32. Angry Man. Drypoint and sandground, 1935. Signed in pencil. Edition unknown, recorded impressions 21. Image size 7 7/8 x 11 5/8� (20.1 x 29.7 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #111. #1568-3 $4,000.00
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33. Three Girls Conversing. [The Gossips.] Etching, c.1946. Signed in pencil. Edition unknown, recorded impressions 7. First state of two. Image size 6 7/8 x 9 7/8” (17.6 x 25 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #134. #84947-2 $6,000.00
34. (left) Negro Girl’s Head and Sky with Moon. [Polynesian Profile.] Sandground and roulette, 1947. Signed in pencil. Edition unknown, recorded impressions 8. Image size 5 7/8 x 3 7/8” (14.9 x 9.8 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #137. #10937-2 $4,000.00 35. (right) Polynesian Girl-Head. Mezzotint, 1947. Signed in pencil. Edition unknown, recorded impressions 4. Image size 5 7/8 x 4” (15.3 x 10.1 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #139. #6167-2 $3,000.00
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36. The Equilibrists. Drypoint and aquatint, 1939. Signed in pencil. Edition unknown, recorded impressions of first state 10, second state 2. Second state of two. Image size 9 7/8 x 10� (25.2 x 27.5 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #127. #27430-2 $35,000.00 The only other known proof of the second state is in the collection of the Detroit Institute of Arts. The location is most likely near his Yorkville studio which was at 439 East 89th Street.
37. The Equilibrists. Drypoint and aquatint, 1939. Signed in pencil. Edition unknown, recorded impressions of first state 10, second state 2. First state of two. Image size 9 7/8 x 15 7/8� (25.2 x 40.2 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #127. #90747-1 $25,000.00
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38. Hi-Li Tournament. Drypoint, 1937. Signed in pencil. Edition unknown, recorded impressions 13. Image size 8 3/8 x 13 1/4” (21.4 x 33.5 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #122. #90745-1 $20,000.00 The location is most likely near his Yorkville studio which was at 439 East 89th Street.
39. Bedford Street Gang. Drypoint, 1935. Signed in pencil. Edition unknown, recorded impressions 25. Image size 8 7/8 x 14 1/4” (22.6 x 36.5 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #116, #69462-2 $33,000.00 The location is Bedford Street in Greenwich Village looking toward Bleecker Street.
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40. American Nocturne. Lithograph, 1937. Signed in pencil. Edition unknown, recorded impressions 17. Printed by George Miller. Image size 9 7/8 x 14 3/8� (25 x 36.7 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #125. #6734-3 $40,000.00 Martin Lewis produced four lithographs. They were all printed by George Miller. Martin Lewis, Armin Landeck, and George Miller started the New York School for printmaking in 1932. History tells us that their timing for the opening of the school was not good. The school ran for less than one year and closed.
41. Misty Night, Danbury. Lithograph, 1947. Signed in pencil. Edition unknown, recorded impressions 19. Image size 11 x 15 1/2� (28 x 39.5 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #142. #1583-3 $40,000.00
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42. Sun Bath. Lithograph, 1935. Signed in pencil, inscribed “2nd state.” Edition unknown, recorded impressions 14. Image size 10 1/8 x 13 3/8” (25.7 x 34 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #114. #90738-1 $16,000.00
43. Veterans. Lithograph, 1935. Signed in pencil. Edition unknown, recorded impressions 8. (The Old Print Shop knows of at least 12 impressions.) Image size 9 3/4 x 13 3/8” (25 x 34.3 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #113. #11045-3 $35,000.00
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44. Day’s End. Drypoint, 1937. Signed in pencil. Edition unknown, recorded impressions 34. Third state of three. This image was awarded honorable mention by the Philadelphia Print Club in 1938. Image size 9 5/8 x 13 3/8” (24.5 x 34 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #120. #30825-3 $32,000.00
45. Wet Night Route 6. Drypoint, 1933. Signed in pencil. Edition unknown, recorded impressions 51. The location is the highway between Newtown and Sandy Hook, CT. Image size 8 7/8 x 14 5/8” (22.5 x 37.2 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #104. #12888-4 $65,000.00
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46. The Passing Freight, Danbury. Drypoint and sandground, 1934. Signed in pencil, inscribed “trial proof.” Edition unknown, recorded impressions 47. Image size 8 7/8 x 14 7/8” (22.7 x 36.3 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #108. #10261-1 $39,000.00
47. Lost Railroad. Drypoint and aquatint, 1933. Signed in pencil. Edition unknown, recorded impressions 27. Image size 9 7/8 x 16 7/8” (25.2 x 43 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #105. #1581-3 $42,000.00
The location is White Street in Danbury, CT.
48. Winter on White Street. Drypoint and sandground, 1934. Signed in pencil, inscribed “trial proof 2nd state.” Edition unknown, recorded impressions 41. Second state of three. Image size 10 7/8 x 6 7/8” (27.6 x 17.5 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #110. #90735-1 $32,500.00
49. Winter on White Street. Drypoint and sandground, 1934. Signed in pencil. Edition unknown, recorded impressions 41. Third state of three. Image size 10 7/8 x 6 7/8” (27.6 x 17.5 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #110. #90736-1 $32,500.00
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50. Trumbull Street Drypoint and sandground, 1934. Signed in pencil. Edition unknown, recorded impressions 49. Location is Hartford, CT. Martin Lewis noted in his record book that he destroyed 29 impressions but gave no date. Image size 11 1/8 x 14 7/8” (28.3 x 37.8 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #107 #1572-1 $19,500.00
51. Circus Night. Drypoint and sandground, 1933. Signed in pencil. Edition unknown, recorded impressions 43. (20 impressions were unsigned at the time of the artist’s death). Image size 11 1/8 x 14 7/8” (28.3 x 37.8 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #103. #11346-5 $40,000.00 The location is likely Sandy Hook, CT, where Martin Lewis lived between 1932-1936.
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52. (above) Politics. Drypoint and sandground, 1936. Signed in pencil. Edition unknown, recorded impressions 27. Second state of two. Image size 9 3/4 x 10 5/8� (24.8 x 27 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #118. #35369-2 Pair with copper plate. #90740-1 $19,500.00 (below) Politics. Copper plate. canceled. 1936. Includes a posthumous impression of the canceled plate. Impression of canceled plate printed by Tony Kirk. Printing from canceled plate unknown. Good condition. The location is Kent Hollow, CT
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53. Grandpa Takes a Walk. Drypoint and sandground, 1935. Signed in pencil. Commissioned by the American College Society of Print Collectors. Edition 125, recorded impressions 135. (Edition of 125 delivered to American College Society of Print Collectors. 10 impressions for the artist.) Image size 8 7/8 x 11 3/4” (22.5 x 29.7 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #115. #32665-5 $6,500.00
54. R.F.D. Drypoint and sandground, 1933. Signed in pencil, inscribed “trial proof.” Edition unknown, recorded impressions 148. Image size 9 7/8 x 11 3/4” (25 x 30 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #106. #33417-6 $8,000.00 This image was awarded the bronze medal at the Fifteenth International Exhibition of the Print Makers Society of California in 1934. The mail box bears the name of Landeck. Armin Landeck was a good friend and fellow artist.
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55. Ice Cream Cones. Drypoint and sandground, 1928. Signed in pencil, inscribed “imp.” Edition size 75, recorded impressions 70. Image size 9 3/8 x 14 7/8” (24 x 37.8 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #73. #2985-4 $6,500.00
56. Strength and Beauty. Drypoint and sandground, 1937. Signed in pencil. Edition unknown, recorded impressions 14. Image size 10 7/8 x 13” (27.5 x 33 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #121. #1588-1 $6,700.00
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57. Interlude in a Heat Wave. Etching, 1946. Signed in pencil. Edition unknown, recorded impressions 7. Image size 8 3/4 x 13 1/4” (22.5 x 33.4 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #132. #90748-1 $27,500.00
58. Down to the Sea at Night. Drypoint and sandground, 1929. Signed in pencil, inscribed “imp.” Edition 75, recorded impressions 65. Image size 8 x 13” (20.4 x 32.7 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #79. #2846-3 $20,000.00
The stepped pyramidal form known as “Wedding Cake” architecture was a result of 1916 zoning laws requiring buildings to be set back in increments based on height
59. Building a Babylon, Tudor City, N.Y.C. Drypoint, 1929. Signed in pencil, inscribed “imp.” Edition 100, recorded impressions 84. Image size 13 x 7 7/8” (33 x 20.7 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #76. #7077-4 $14,000.00
The skyscraper in the background is the Chanin Building.
60. Manhattan Lights. Drypoint, 1931. Signed in pencil. Edition 100, recorded impressions 49. Image size 15 7/8 x 9 1/2” (40.3 x 24 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #92. #1584-3 $22,500.00
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61. (left) Ha’nted. Drypoint and sandground, 1932. Signed in pencil. Edition 100, recorded impressions 107. The location is likely Newtown, CT, as one impression is inscribed “Walnut Tree Hill.” During this period Martin Lewis lived on Walnut Tree Hill Road in Sandy Hook. Image size 13 1/4 x 9” (33.6 x 22.7 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #100. #32051-9 $12,500.00 62. (right) Tree, Manhattan. Drypoint, 1930. Signed in pencil, inscribed “imp.” and “Trial no. 4.” Edition 100, recorded impressions 91. Image size 12 7/8 x 9 7/8” (32.8 x 25.2 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #87. #24165-3 $19,000.00
63. (left) Boss of the Block. Etching and aquatint, c.1939. Signed in pencil. Benefit print for the League Print Fund. (Art Students League of New York.) Edition 200, recorded impressions 212. Image size 11 1/2 x 7 1/2” (29.2 x 19 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #128. #874-7 $3,500.00 64. (right) Butter and Egg Man’s Holiday. Drypoint and sandpaper ground, 1926. Signed in pencil, inscribed “imp.” Edition 25, recorded impressions 19. Location is Atlantic City, NJ. Image size 10 x 7” (25.2 x 17.6 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #53. #3289-3 $5,500.00
65. Street Booth Tokyo, New Year’s Eve. Drypoint, 1927. Signed in pencil, inscribed “imp.” Edition 100, recorded impressions 40. Image size 13 7/8 x 10 3/8” (35.2 x 26.5 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #60. #1575-7 $7,000.00
66. Trees at Gotemba, Japan. Drypoint, 1925. Signed in pencil. Edition 60, recorded impressions 38. Image size 10 x 7” (25.8 x 17.2 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #40. #7611-7 $2,500.00
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67. (left) Showers on the Bay. Drypoint and sandground, 1925. Signed in pencil, inscribed “imp.” Edition 60, recorded impressions 23. Image size 7 7/8 x 11 3/4” (20 x 30 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #46. #9151-3 $4,250.00 68. (right) The Bridge near Nikko. Drypoint and sandground, 1926. Signed in pencil. Edition 60, recorded impressions 29. Image size 7 7/8 x 9 7/8” (20.1 x 25 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #47. #10941-8 $2,500.00
69. (left) Departure of the Boats. Drypoint and sandground, 1926. Signed in pencil. Edition 50, recorded impressions 17 (final state). Two known states, this is the first state of two before the water in the foreground is finished. Proofs only of the first state. Image size 7 7/8 x 11 7/8” (20 x 30.1 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #51. #6647-5 $2,500.00 70. (right) The Return. Drypoint and sandground, 1925. Signed in pencil. Edition 60, recorded impressions 36. Image size 7 7/8 x 9 7/8” (20.1 x 25.2 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #45. #10923-8 $2,400.00
71. (left) Beaching the Boat. Drypoint and sandground, 1925. Signed in pencil, inscribed “20/60.” Edition 60, recorded impressions 33. Image size 7 x 9 7/8” (17.6 x 25.3 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #42. #9150-7 $2,400.00 72. (right) Shadows on the Road. Drypoint and sandground, 1926. Signed in pencil. Edition 60, recorded impressions 54. Image size 7 7/8 x 9 7/8” (20.1 x 25.1 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #48. #11184-6 $2,500.00
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73. The Battery. Etching, 1915. Signed in pencil, with an early vertical signature. Edition 10, recorded impressions 5. Image size 5 7/8 x 6 3/4” (15 x 17.4 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #4. #75996-2 $25,000.00 Lewis depicted the view looking north, up the Hudson River, from lower New York Harbor. The round building at lower right is the New York Aquarium, built in 1896 and demolished in 1941. The structure behind it is 17 Battery Place.
74. (left) On the River. Etching, 1915. Signed in pencil. Edition 50, recorded impressions 21. Image size 14 3/4 x 11 13/16” (37.5 x 30 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #2. #90720-1 $16,000.00 75. (right) Puffing Billies. Etching and sandground, 1916. Signed in pencil. Edition 40, recorded impressions 15. Image size 13 x 9 3/4” (33 x 24.7 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #20. #75253-2 $11,500.00
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76. Madison Square Rainy Night. Etching and drypoint, 1915-16. Signed in pencil. No edition. Two states, this is state ii/II. McCarron notes recorded impressions none. Total of known impressions to date 5, two known impressions of the first state and three of the second state. Image size 10 3/4 x 13 3/4” (27.2 x 34.9 cm). Good condition, save for minor scratch lower left. McCarron #7. #915-4 $45,000.00
77. The Orator, Madison Square. Etching, roulette, and sandground, 1916. Signed in pencil, inscribed “imp.” Edition 60, recorded impressions 19. Image size 10 7/8 x 12 5/8” (27.6 x 32.1 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #13. #513-5 $45,000.00 The scene is at the southeast corner of Twenty-third Street and Madison Avenue looking west toward Fifth Avenue. This is one of the finest prints by Martin Lewis prior to 1920.
78. From the River Front. Etching, 1916. Signed in pencil, inscribed “imp.” Edition 50, recorded impressions 19. Image size 14 3/4 x 11 7/8” (37.8 x 30.3 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #10. #90722-1 $12,500.00
Manhattan skyline from the East River with the Woolworth Building in the distance.
79. Morning on the River. Mezzotint, 1918. Signed in pencil. Edition unknown, recorded impressions 17. Printed in brown ink. Image size 8 7/8 x 5 7/8” (22.7 x 15 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #28. #10922-1 $21,000.00
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80. (left) Nearing Land. Etching and aquatint, 1915. Signed in pencil. Edition 50, recorded impressions 20. Image size 6 3/4 x 13 7/8” (17 x 35.3 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #3 #608-3 $4,250.00 81. (right) The Old Timer Battleship. Etching, 1916. Signed in pencil. Edition 50, recorded impressions 17. Image size 9 7/8 x 12 3/4” (25.2 x 32.7 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #9. #609-5 $4,200.00
82. (left) Speed and Sunshine. Etching and sandground, 1916. Signed in pencil, inscribed “imp.” Edition 25, recorded impressions 17. Image size 7 1/2 x 9 7/8” (19 x 25.2 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #12. #610-3 $3,500.00 83. (right) The Old Gray Mare. Drypoint, 1935. Signed in pencil. Edition unknown, recorded impressions 17. Image size 7 7/8 x 11 3/4” (20 x 30 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #112. #10940-1 $2,750.00
84. (left) Sporting Gentleman. Etching, c.1927. Signed in pencil. No edition, recorded impressions 3. Image size image 5 7/8 x 4 7/8” (15.2 x 12.4 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #55. #90726-1 $4,000.00 85. (right) The Roustabout. Etching and sandground, 1916. Signed in pencil. Signed in plate. Edition 25, recorded impressions 6. Image size 8 7/8 x 5 15/16” (225 x 150 mm). Very good condition. McCarron #14. #10246-3 $4,500.00
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86. Little Penthouse. Drypoint, 1931. Signed in pencil. This print was commissioned for inclusion in the deluxe edition of “American Etchers, Vol. XI: Martin Lewis,” published in an edition of 75 by the Crafton Collection in New York and distributed by P. & D. Colnaghi in London. Edition 75, recorded impressions 84. Image size 9 7/8 x 6 3/4” (25 x 17.3 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #91. #585-6 $28,000.00
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87. Night in New York. Etching, 1932. Signed in pencil. Presentation Print of the Chicago Society of Etchers. Edition 125, printing 135. (125 for the Chicago Society of Etchers, 10 for the artist.) Image size 8 3/8 x 8 7/8” (21.3 x 22.5 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #102. #1578-3 $14,500.00
88. Rainy Day, Queens. Drypoint, 1931. Signed in pencil. Edition 100, recorded impressions 70. Image size 10 5/8 x 11 7/8” (27 x 30.1 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #94. #9907-6 $50,000.00 Martin Lewis noted the location as “Skillman Ave. Queens.”
The Society of American Etchers during this period issued prints to the collector members. Membership was between 200-250 and Martin Lewis is recorded to have printed 105 for himself.
89. Chance Meeting. Drypoint, 1940-41. Signed in pencil. This print was commissioned by the Society of American Etchers. Recorded impressions 105, printing c.300. Image size 10 1/2 x 7 1/2” (26.5 x 18.8 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #131. #16645-6 $19,500.00
90. Under the Street Lamp. Etching, 1928. Signed in pencil, inscribed “imp.” Edition 100, recorded impressions 83. Image size 14 7/8 x 9 3/8” (38 x 24 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #70. #43588-4 $15,000.00
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91. Passing Storm. Mezzotint, 1919. Signed in pencil, inscribed “imp.” Edition 100, recorded impressions 55. Image size 10 1/2 x 13 7/8” (26.5 x 35.3 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #38. #760-5 $26,000.00
92. (left) Arc Welders at Night. Drypoint and sandground, 1937. Signed in pencil. Edition unknown, recorded impressions 33. Image size 9 7/8 x 7 7/8” (25.2 x 20 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #124. #3199-2 $28,500.00 The location of the image is on East Thirty-fourth Street. 93. (right) Twin Silos. Drypoint, 1936. Signed in pencil. Edition unknown, recorded impressions 23. Image size 7 15/16 x 8 1/4” (18.5 x 21 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #119. #886-3 $9,500.00 Lewis notes the location as Cornwall, NY. Likely, however, it is Cornwall, CT.
A rejected title is “Stoops in Snow-West Forties.” However, the image is likely in the Thirties (Thirty-fifth to Thirty-eighth Streets) looking east with the Third Avenue El in the background.
94. Stoops in Snow. Drypoint and sandground, 1930. Signed in pencil. Edition 100, recorded impressions 115. Image size 10 x 15” (25.3 x 38.1 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #89. #6733-9 $50,000.00
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95. Above the Yards, Weehawken. Aquatint and etching, 1918. Signed in pencil. Edition 100, recorded impressions 15. There is also a posthumous edition 100, printing 50, plate in the collection of the Detroit Institute of Arts. This impression is from the lifetime printing. Image size 17 3/4 x 23 3/4” (45 x 60.3 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #33. #11116-4 $28,000.00
96. Dockworkers under the Brooklyn Bridge. Aquatint and etching, c.1916-18. Signed in pencil, inscribed “imp.” lower right and “Trial Proof” lower left. Edition 100, recorded impressions 14, (McCarron states recorded impressions 5). Image size 17 3/4 x 23 3/4” (45.3 x 60 cm). Very good condition. McCarron #15. #11040-3 $45,000.00 Labor dispute, longshoremen discussing a proposal. Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline in the background.
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97. Moonlit Farm Scene. Etching and drypoint, c.1916. Signed in pencil, inscribed “to Mrs. Alex McGibbon : with all good wishes : from M.L. New York City, December 20th, 1924.” Alex McGibbon was a boyhood friend of Lewis in Castlemaine, Australia. No edition, 2 recorded impressions. McCarron notes one impression which is in the Detroit Institute of Arts. This is the second impression that is known of this image. Image size 9 7/8 x 7 7/8” (25 x 19.9 cm). Good condition. McCarron #19. #90723-1 $22,000.00