Art - Past Masters

Item Description

16" x 20" Original, signed oil painting in original frame by noted Gloucester artist and RAA member, Theresa Bernstein (b. 1890 Philadelphia, d. 2002 NYC.). Painted c. 1950, this painting was purchased directly from the artist, and was given to the RAA by a collector. It was most recently appraised for $8,00 - $10,000.

Born in Philadelphia, Theresa Bernstein showed art talent front childhood and became an early female modernist painter whose reputation faded during the era of the New York School but ascended in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.  Of modernist art, she said: "I couldn't warm up to cubes and triangles-they didn't have enough life for me". (Sternberg 21)

In 1907, Bernstein enrolled in the Philadelphia School of Design for Women where she studied with Harriet Sartain, Elliott Daingerfield, Henry Snell, Daniel Garber, and Samuel Murray.  In 1912, she settled in New York, and her early work was "Ashcan" School or Social Realist style, but she became known for impressionist, "frolicking" beach scenes.

She exhibited extensively with the National Academy of Design, (but never was elected a member), and the Society of Independent Artists and was a charter member of the New York Society of Women Artists.  Her husband was artist, William Meyerwitz, and they summered in Gloucester where she completed many of her beach scenes.

In April, 2000,  Bernstein's book titled "Rabbitville" was published, a collection of drawings and stories the artist started in the 1930s to entertain children who posed for her.

Bernstein was a member of the American Print Makers Society; the National Association of Woman Artists; Boston Printmakers Society; North Shore Art Association; Society of American Etchers; Philadelphia PA; Rockport Art Association; Gloucester Society of Artists; Connecticut Academy of Fine Art; Society of Independent Artists and others. Awards bestowed upon her include: Philadelphia Plastic Club; French institute of Arts and Science; National Association of Woman Artists, 1949, 1951,1955; Society of Graphic Artists, 1953;American Color Printmakers Society prize; French Institute of Arts and Letters, 1938; National Arts Club Prize and many others. She is said to have had over fifty solo shows.

(information exerpted from AskArt.com)

Item Special Note

This item can be shipped via UPS (contact the RAA for a delivery estimate) or picked up at the Art Association. The winning bidder is responsible for all shipping and handling costs.

The artist retains all reproduction and copyrights.

All images are representative of the originals and colors may not be
exact based on web representation. Actual works may be
viewed at the RAA prior to bidding. Gallery hours are Tuesday-Friday, 10-4pm, Saturday 10-5pm, and Sunday 12-5pm.