Study for Subway Stairs by Bernard Gussow (1881-1957), charcoal on paper, 13 3/4″ x 10 1/2″, signed lower left.
Medium: Charcoal on paper
Born in Russia in 1881, Gussow was trained at both the Art Students League and the National Academy of Design; in addition he studied under Bonnat at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris. His first claim to fame seems to have been exhibiting two works at the Armory Show in 1913 (Movement and Figures). Gussow exhibited at the Society of Independent Artists between 1917 and 1934 and at Salons of America in the 1930s. The figured in this painting might owe something to his contemporary Max Weber, who used similar simplified, mask-like faces. Or he may have gone directly to the Blue Rider Group or German Expressionists such as Franz Marc or Erich Heckel who were interested in "primitive" figures in landscapes. Weber also painted similar gently curving, cylindrical trees.
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What a great find in Georgetown! Grace was an excellent tour guide and Peter is an absolute gem, will definitely be back! Highly recommend!
“L'Enfant Gallery is a haven of beauty and discovery! I often swing by just to walk around and bask in the incredible array of treasures!! I love the sheer variety and diversity it offers. I love hearing the stories behind each piece and embarking in an artistic time-travel of sorts! I love the staff, who are wonderful and so knowledgeable! And the events are great too! From fascinating lectures to more participatory proposals like a candle-lit yoga class! I always learn a lot and meet very interesting people! one of my top places in Georgetown and DC!!!”
“I have been a patron of L’Enfant Gallery since they hosted my wedding in 1985! As a resident of Georgetown for years, I have a long standing relationship with the gallery as a legacy Georgetown institution and Peter Colasante as an aficionado of all things art, neighbor and community pillar. In recent years L’Enfant Gallery has become more active in local events and is now an anchor in the Washington DC community arts festival (Art All Night). I have been fortunate to be able to attend some spectacular events at the gallery; a masquerade soirée, which was a sophisticated evening of intrigue where we chatted and sipped among the masters in disguise, slipping down the rabbit hole and dancing with DJs as the sky went from dark to light. A “dinner in the window”, hosted by L’Enfant Gallery showed them as a strong partner of Georgetown Mainstreet, supporting local restaurants in a one of a kind setting. Recently I attended a spelling-binding wedding celebration spanning the three floors of the gallery with cocktails, music and an interactive dance performance that led the way to the second floor which had been transformed into an intimate formal dining experience for over 50 people, prevailing F Scott’s panache for all the finer things… It is worth watching what is happening there when you are in town.”
“We found this spectacular gallery over 20 years ago and have acquired paintings, antique lights, furniture, and figurines from around the world there. The range and quality of the offerings on its several floors are stunning. Peter Colasante, the owner, has encyclopedic knowledge and is patient in explaining matters and answering your questions. It is the best gallery in D.C. Its reputation and longevity assure that you will find treasures and pieces not found elsewhere. We recently attended a gallery evening of music and song, with performances by singers, artists, and a magician.”
“I have gotten to know L’Enfant Gallery as an essential fixture in our Georgetown small business community. Peter, the owner, cares deeply about creating a safe and welcoming space, not only to shop for a diverse array of art and antiques, but also for artists to create within the gallery. I attended an incredible woman-led panel conversation “Art as Resistance” for the opening of their Wall of Women exhibition. I have also enjoyed how the gallery has used their storefront window as a living stage during Art All Night, Fall Market, and more- welcoming artists to create and perform. I had the pleasure of hosting a Dinner in the Window at the gallery to highlight our restaurant community in Georgetown. L’Enfant is a true partner for the arts and I would recommend engaging with them more, whether it is hosting an event, enjoying their diverse programming, or shopping their collection.”
"I've been shopping at L'Enfant Gallery since before opening my design firm in 1997. They occupy a rarefied space as purveyors of the finest antiques."
