Art

Adolph Dietrich Friedrich Reinhardt (1913-1967) was a painter active in New York, and a prominent abstract expressionist from the 1940s until his death. He was a member of the American Abstract Artists and The Club, and is considered a significant part of the movement, centred on the Betty Parsons Gallery, that became known as Abstract Expressionism. He also produced a number of left-leaning political cartoons and caricatures under varied pseudonyms for a number of newspapers and magazines. These original pieces from his student days evidence his learning from prominent American woodcut artists of the day, such as Lynd Ward and Rockwell Kent. As a student of Columbia University from 1931-5, Reinhardt worked for the student magazine Jester, supplying illustrations and cover designs, and becoming its editor-in-chief from 1934. Of these two pieces, the smaller is signed lower right by Reinhadt and dated '35; when printed in Jester magazine, this was given the title "Hah ya, Butch". The original drawing has been reappropriated as a gift card with the words "To Jack From AD", two stars and the word "Jester". The larger of the two is inscribed with birthday messages to the same Jack. These original artworks were very likely gifts for Jack Fox, who served as secretary of Jester in 1935. 2 pieces. Smaller piece; Black and white acrylic on Bainbridge Illustration Board. Sheet size: 13.3 x 25.1 cm. Larger piece; Acrylic in various tones of grey, silver and black on board. Sheet size 28.1 x 10.5 cm. Small loss of silver to upper left corner of larger piece, otherwise in excellent condition.