howard taft lorenz
(AMERICAN, 1906-1956)
Howard Taft Lorenz, a New York City WPA artist, had a life seemingly as fascinating and bizarre as the exceptional paintings he created. I urge you to read a short biographical essay (included on this page) about him, authored by Perkins Harnly, a fellow New York City WPA artist. It notes the remarkable arc of his life and outlandish personality.
There are 10 paintings by Mr. Lorenz in the Smithsonian Museum of Art Collection which are represented with photographs on Howard Taft Lorenz’s Smithsonian profile (link included). Most notably, one of the paintings from the collection, titled " Dismissal", was featured as the cover of the Smithsonian Magazine, October, 1979. The painting immortalized his friend and fellow WPA artist, Fred Becker, receiving his "pink slip" from the New York City WPA in 1935 (cover image above). Unfortunately, Mr. Lorenz died young under desperate circumstances and did not live to see one of his paintings grace the cover of the Smithsonian Magazine. The quality and recognition of his work is rather remarkable since he only painted for 5 years of his life, during the Federal Arts Project( 1935-1940 ). This rare and exceptional Lorenz painting titled "Happy Birthday Gramma" is featured in the Lorenz Biographical Essay below. ( CLICK BELOW IN RED TO VIEW).
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRAMMA"
OIL ON CANVAS
25"H X 30"W
SIGNED AND DATED, HOWARD TAFT LORENZ 39', U/R
COMPREHENSIVE DOCUMENTATION AVAILABLE
*PRICE ON REQUEST
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