Manhattan Skyline

Justin McCarthy, Manhattan Skyline, ca. 1960, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Nancy Karlins Thoman and Mark Thoman in honor of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr., 1991.79.1
Copied Justin McCarthy, Manhattan Skyline, ca. 1960, oil on canvas, 17 7⁄8 x 24 in. (45.4 x 60.9 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Nancy Karlins Thoman and Mark Thoman in honor of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr., 1991.79.1

Artwork Details

Title
Manhattan Skyline
Artist
Date
ca. 1960
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
17 7⁄8 x 24 in. (45.4 x 60.9 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Nancy Karlins Thoman and Mark Thoman in honor of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr.
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on canvas
Classifications
Subjects
  • Cityscape — New York — New York
  • Cityscape — bird’s eye view
  • Cityscape — time — evening
  • Architecture Exterior — commercial — skyscraper
  • Cityscape — New York — Manhattan
Object Number
1991.79.1
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1991.79.1

Artwork Description

As Justin McCarthy’s eyesight began to fail, he painted with broader, looser brushstrokes. He worked quickly and often did not pause until the painting was completed. The jumbled lines and dabs of color of this image evoke the crowded, energetic skyline of New York at night, almost as if we are looking down at the city through half-closed eyes.