Summer, New York c1931
“Summer, New York c1931” by American painter Leon Kroll (1884 – 1974) presents a vivid and serene depiction of a moment in time, blending elements of portraiture with the quiet, yet stirring, presence of nature. The artwork draws the viewer into a tranquil room, bathed in the warmth of the summer season, showcasing a group of women and a peaceful, detailed scene outside their window. The composition is both intimate and expansive, offering a sense of calm amidst the bustle of New York.
Table of Contents
Main Subject: The Women and Their Poses
At the center of this piece are three women, their figures carefully posed within the intimate space of the room. The reclining woman in the foreground rests on a bed, her body in a natural, peaceful repose. The light filtering through the window casts a soft glow on her skin, emphasizing the delicate curves of her body. She is undisturbed, her eyes closed in a serene state. Her pose, though suggestive of a quiet moment of reflection or rest, exudes an air of grace and tranquility.
Flanking her on either side are two other women, seated on chairs with an air of quiet contemplation. The woman on the right, dressed in a light white garment with a red shawl draped around her shoulders, looks directly at the viewer with a soft gaze, while the woman beside her, dressed in yellow, gazes down with a more pensive expression.
Their faces, with detailed and soft features, capture an almost timeless quality, their expressions conveying both the inner world of their thoughts and a sense of composure within the peaceful atmosphere of the room. The interaction between the women, though not overtly dramatic, suggests a connection — the woman in yellow reaches toward the seated figure on the right, her hand gently placed on her shoulder.
Objects: The Fruit and Room Elements
A round table, placed slightly behind the reclining woman, holds a collection of fruit, apples, peaches, and perhaps a few other seasonal items. These fruits, painted with vivid attention to detail, symbolize the abundance of summer. They create a balance within the composition, drawing attention away from the figures and towards the natural world, further enhancing the feeling of calm and contentment that pervades the scene.
The window itself is another key feature in the composition. Framed by curtains that are pulled back to reveal a broad view of the cityscape outside, the window acts as a bridge between the intimate indoor space and the expansive world beyond. The details in the landscape are lush and verdant, hinting at the green parks and expansive greenery that are an integral part of New York’s identity during the summer months. The rolling terrain beyond the window, stretching toward the distant skyscrapers, helps balance the foreground with a sense of depth and perspective.
Terrain: The Urban Landscape
Through the window, the vast New York skyline rises in the distance. The horizon, stretching wide and defined by the curvature of the earth, carries the outline of iconic buildings amidst the greenery. The trees and foliage that fill the view outside symbolize the coexistence of nature and urbanization, which is a theme that runs subtly throughout Kroll’s work.
In this image, the balance between the two worlds, the nature-filled outdoor environment and the man-made indoor space, becomes apparent. Kroll seems to be making a quiet statement about how these two elements can coexist harmoniously in the day-to-day lives of the city’s residents.
This depiction of New York is more than just a cityscape; it serves as a symbol of the dynamic energy and vibrancy that the city represented during this era. Yet, despite the urban setting, the mood of the painting is not one of hustle and bustle. Rather, it portrays a moment of stillness and repose, offering a visual retreat from the often overwhelming intensity of modern city life.
Materials: The Palette and Style
The materials used by Kroll are instrumental in conveying the serenity of this moment. The muted palette of soft, earthy tones blends the human figures with the environment. Kroll’s skillful use of light and shadow imbues the scene with an ethereal quality, with sunlight gently filtering into the room and illuminating the faces of the women. The interplay of light on skin, fabric, and objects, especially the fruit, is captured with exceptional tenderness, drawing out the textures in a way that enhances the lifelike quality of the painting.
The brushwork is delicate, yet there is enough variation in the strokes to give the viewer a sense of the natural world’s vibrancy. Kroll’s approach to texture helps to bring out the tactile qualities of the figures and the surrounding objects, from the smoothness of the women’s skin to the soft fabric of their clothes. The roughness of the wooden bed frame contrasts with the smoothness of the floor, while the fruits seem almost to leap out of the canvas, full of life.
Style and Mood
“Summer, New York” fits squarely within the representational art tradition of the early 20th century. With its focus on capturing everyday life and the human form, it embodies the academic realism that was popular during this time. At the same time, the careful attention to detail and the painterly quality of Kroll’s brushstrokes make it clear that his artistic goals went beyond mere representation.
The composition, the careful rendering of the figures, and the harmonious integration of landscape and interior all suggest a deeper exploration of human connection and the fleeting moments of calm that can be found even in the heart of a bustling metropolis.
The mood of the piece is peaceful, meditative, and introspective. The women’s expressions, as well as the soft light and gentle colors, suggest an atmosphere of contemplation and tranquility. This serene and quiet moment contrasts with the vibrant and energetic surroundings of the city outside, creating a fascinating tension between the inner world of the figures and the external world they inhabit.
Conclusion
Leon Kroll’s “Summer, New York c1931” is a masterful representation of the human experience, capturing a fleeting yet profound moment in the lives of three women, set against the backdrop of a busy city. Through his skillful use of light, color, and composition, Kroll creates an intimate, quiet world that speaks to both the solitude of the individual and the sense of connection with others, all within the expansive context of the modern urban landscape.
This is a remastered digital art old masters reproduction of a public domain image that is available as a canvas print online.
Info Below Derived From Wikipedia.org
Leon was born on the lower east side of New York City on second avenue, into a family of musicians. His father was a violinist and his cousin was violinist and composer William Kroll (1901 – 1980).
He began his artistic studies at the Art Students League of New York under American Impressionist Painter John Henry Twachtman (1853 – 1902); and then at the Académie Julian in Paris, France with French Painter and Sculptor Jean Paul Laurens (1838 – 1921) in the late 1800s..
In 1910 Leon had his first solo exhibition at the National Academy of Design, where he would later teach; and was later named an associate in 1920 and as a full Academician in 1927.
Then three years later in 1930, he was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters; and in 1950 was named Chevalier of the Legion of Honor.
