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Whimsical painting of an organ grinder and monkey making their way down a city street. The picture is drawn as if the viewer is looking through a window to see the startling sight of a monkey in a pink blouse and blue pleated skirt and a red fez clinging to the window frame. The monkey holds a tin cup to collect coins, and is tethered to the organ grinder who stands in the street. Organ grinders, mainly Italian immigrants, were street entertainers who played songs on hand-cranked organs.
Arthur Weindorf was a listed illustration artist based in New York City. Born and raised in Queens, he drew for many local newspapers and magazines there. Early in his career, he was a political cartoonist for the Long Island Daily Star (see example here). From 1908 to 1944 he worked for the New York City subway system, drawing and developing maps, models, architectural designs and other materials. He was also known for his genre and figure paintings, which he exhibited nationally. His work frequently exhibited a playful sense of humor. Weindorf was a member of the Society of Independent Artists, where he exhibited regularly from 1920-43. After his death in 1979, the borough president of Queens issued a proclamation in his honor for his services to the borough and the city's subway system, and "his efforts to promote a greater understanding and appreciation of the history of Queens."
Reference:
"Proclamation [in honor of Arthur Weindorf]." Borough of Queens, City of New York. 25 May 1979.