Artwork
Church Street El
Church Street El is an unspecified painting by Charles Sheeler. It dates from 1920 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Church Street El is a painting by Charles Sheeler, depicting a bird's-eye view of Lower Manhattan. The work captures the urban landscape with a focus on geometric forms and the interplay of light and shadow.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows a congested urban scene, with tall buildings along Broadway and Wall Street, and the Church Street elevated train running along the right edge. The image conveys the dynamic energy of the city, despite its static composition.
Technique & Style
Sheeler based his composition on frames from the short film Manhatta, which he co-created with Paul Strand. He simplified forms and eliminated textures to emphasize the rhythmic patterns of shapes, color, light, and shadow.
History & Provenance
The painting is part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art. It originated from Sheeler's experimental film Manhatta, made in collaboration with Strand in 1920-21, one of the first avant-garde American films.
Artist & collection
Artist
Charles Sheeler (July 16, 1883 – May 7, 1965) was an American artist known for his Precisionist paintings, commercial photography, and the 1921 avant-garde film, Manhatta, which he made in collaboration with Paul Strand.
