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Lot Essay
Born Antonius Johannes Thieme in Rotterdam, Holland, one of America's greatest Impressionist marine painters changed his name to Anthony upon gaining citizenship in 1935. Sent to naval school by his parents who did not support his artistic ventures, Thieme chose his own path at fourteen by enrolling at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts and then the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague. Leaving home at 17, he travelled Europe to learn the nuances of draftmanship, oil painting, watercolor and printmaking while supporting himself by designing stage scenery. In 1917, he immigrated to the United States, where he soon became known for his Impressionist seascapes and coastal scenes with strong color and bold strokes.
In the present work, Thieme captures the shimmering light, reflecting water, translucent sails and serene atmosphere of one of New York City's most admired vantage points. This idyllic scene, ensconced between tall linear trees and featuring curvaceous paths, a grassy coastline, distant hills and the floating ships at dock, demonstrates why the 79th Street Boat Basin has been beloved by generations of New Yorkers. The detailed rendering of the various boats on the Hudson reflects the artist's extensive knowledge of the sea and ships, perhaps gained during his time spent in naval school as a boy. His accomplished draftsmanship and understanding of light and color is evident in the well-placed, bold reds and greens and strategic placement of the two-topsail schooner with crisp, white sails at the core of the canvas. Of the two known works by this title, the present work is the larger and more complete version.
In the present work, Thieme captures the shimmering light, reflecting water, translucent sails and serene atmosphere of one of New York City's most admired vantage points. This idyllic scene, ensconced between tall linear trees and featuring curvaceous paths, a grassy coastline, distant hills and the floating ships at dock, demonstrates why the 79th Street Boat Basin has been beloved by generations of New Yorkers. The detailed rendering of the various boats on the Hudson reflects the artist's extensive knowledge of the sea and ships, perhaps gained during his time spent in naval school as a boy. His accomplished draftsmanship and understanding of light and color is evident in the well-placed, bold reds and greens and strategic placement of the two-topsail schooner with crisp, white sails at the core of the canvas. Of the two known works by this title, the present work is the larger and more complete version.