Artwork
New York from the 34th Street Ferry
New York from the 34th Street Ferry is an ink print by Rachael Robinson Elmer. It dates from 1914 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Rachael Robinson Elmer’s 1914 offset lithograph, titled New York from the 34‑Street Ferry, depicts a bustling waterfront scene. The composition centers on a ferry with a red‑tiled roof, flanked by a small sailboat and a skyline of low, colorful buildings that recede toward a distant, pointed tower. A pale sky with scattered clouds hovers above, rendered in flat, vivid tones.
Subject & Meaning
The print captures a moment of urban transit and leisure, illustrating the everyday activity of New York’s ferry system in the early twentieth century. By juxtaposing the functional ferry with the leisurely sailboat, Elmer hints at the coexistence of commerce and recreation along the city’s waterways.
Technique & Style
Executed as an offset lithograph, the work relies on a printing process that transfers ink from a stone or metal plate onto paper, allowing for crisp lines and uniform color fields. Elmer’s approach favors simplified forms, flat washes of color, and clean outlines, giving the scene a lively yet restrained graphic quality.
History & Provenance
Created in 1914, the lithograph reflects Elmer’s interest in documenting contemporary American life. The artist signed the piece in the lower corner, and the title appears beneath the image, identifying the specific ferry route. Its provenance traces back to early exhibitions of her prints, though detailed ownership records are limited.
Context
At the time of its production, New York’s ferry routes were vital links across the East River, predating many of today’s bridges and tunnels. The 34th‑Street Ferry connected Manhattan to Long Island City, making the depicted view a recognizable point of departure for commuters and visitors alike.
Artist & collection
