Arthur Weindorf (1885-1979)
The Wrestlers
American: 1940
Watercolor
12 x 9 inches
Signed and Dated: “Arthur Weindorf 40 (lower right)”
Inscribed Verso: “Painted by Arthur Weindorf, 34-25 34th Street, Long Island City, NY (The Wrestlers)”
Provenance: Maybell Davidson, Alabama (daughter of Arthur Weindorf)
Humorous painting of two bearded wrestlers grappling in the ring before a large crowd of men dressed in suit and tie.
Arthur Weindorf was a prominent 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.
