$46,125
Charles Courtney Curran (American, 1861-1942) The Water Gate , World's Columbian Exposition, Chicago , 1893 Signed and dated "CHAS· C· CURRAN· 93" l. r., inscribed "No. XV" in two places on the stretcher. Oil on canvas, 17 1/2 x 12 in. (44.3 x 30.5 cm), framed. Condition: Small puncture to l.l. quadrant, scattered small paint losses, craquelure, stretcher bar marks, surface grime. Provenance: Through the collection of William Knickerbocker Wallbridge (1882-1979) of Connecticut, to the current owner by family descent. N.B. The painting at hand shows elegant strollers at the World's Fair held in Chicago in 1893. Known to many as the World's Columbian Exposition, the fair, which celebrated the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the New World, showcased achievements in science, art, and industry from 46 countries around the world. Its location in Chicago was very significant. The city, which had been devastated by the Great Fire of 1871, had to compete with urban rivals such as New York, Washington, and St. Louis for the honor of hosting the fair. The magnificent and successful presentation was visited by over 20 million people and proved to be of lasting social and cultural impact, a defining moment for the host city and for America's optimistic self-image. The overall design of the Chicago Columbian Exposition was championed by Daniel Burnham, as Director of Works, and Frederick Law Olmsted, who laid out the grounds. The fair was intended as a
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2014-09-19
