127

Martin Lewis

(1881-1962)

Study for "Shadow Dance."

Pencil on green laid paper, circa 1930.
Signed "Martin Lewis P.L." in pencil by the artist's daughter-in-law, Patricia Lewis, lower right.
9 x 11 5/8 in. (22.9 x 29.5 cm.)

  • Provenance:
    Estate of the artist.
    Lucille Deming Lewis (artist's wife), with the estate stamp and inventory number "LDL 331" verso.
    Private collection, New York.
  • Notes:
    The present drawing is a preparatory sketch for Lewis' iconic print, Shadow Dance. According to McCarron, the location depicted appears to be the intersection of 34th Street and Park Avenue, facing west. Here, we see a straightforward rendition of the intersection, before his decision to set the composition at sunset with long dramatic shadows cast by figures against a harsh setting sun.
  • Condition:
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March 12, 2026 12:00 PM EDT
New York, NY, US

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