From the Bridge by Ryah Ludins

This is a monochrome lithograph by Ryah Ludins. It is titled From the Bridge. It depicts the New York City skyline from one of the bridges, probably the Brooklyn Bridge. It seems to depict lower Manhattan. This scene was quite popular with artists. In addition to this lithograph, there are lithographs by Samuel Margolies and Howard Cook that have almost the same perspective. This almost certainly dates from the 1930s based on the style and coincides with the time Ludins was work for the WPS. While formally assigned to the mural division, she also produced lithographs during this period. The perspective is narrow enhancing the height of the skyscrapers. Ludins also demonstrates her association with Cubism as the structures are simplified to geometric shapes. It's a very dramatic scene with effective use of light and shadow. This particular impression is not signed or titled, but is a known work by Ludins. The piece is in excellent condition. It is hinge mounted to a mat board. The margins are full. It is well inked and there are no condition issues including no toning, staining, foxing, fading, tears, or paper loss. The image is 8 3/8 x 13.25 inches. The sheet is 11.5 x 16 inches. The mat board is 16 x 20 inches. A great WPA work by this groundbreaking artist.

Ryah Ludins (1896–1957) Ryah Ludins was one of the most influential printmakers of the mid-20th century in the United States. Born in Russia (what is now Ukraine). As with many Eastern Europeans, she emigrated with her family to the United States, specifically the Bronx, as a child in 1904. Unlike many other immigrants, Ludins’ father was able to work professionally as an architect. She attended the Teachers College at Columbia University from 1917 until 1925, earning a B.S. in Fine Arts, followed by a graduate program. Like other women artists of the time, she obtained a teaching certificate but rather than taking a teaching position, she pursued additional artistic training. While at Columbia, she studied with artist and printmaker Kenneth Hayes Miller. Following graduation, she went to Paris and studied with André Lhote, a noted teacher and painter associated with the Cubists—an influence that can be seen in Ludins’ work. She also spent time in Mexico both as a student at the Polytechnic Institute in Mexico City and as a muralist creating works for the State Museum at Morelia, Michoacan. In New York, she did teach at the at Teachers College Summer Sessions. She was chosen to work with the Work Progress Administration in the mural division and is known to have completed a fresco called Central Park for Bellevue Hospital. She also made some prints for the WPA. She was on the roster for Atelier 17 and exhibited at least one print with the group although information about her association with the Atelier is limited. She exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum, the National Academy of Design, and the Art Institute of Chicago. Her print “Cassis” was included in the 1930 "Fifty Prints of the Year" curated by John Sloane for the American Institute of Graphic Arts. Here work is held in many major collections including the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Toledo Museum of Art, the New York Public Library, the Newark Public Library, and the National Gallery. (Some material sourced from Women of Atelier 17 by Christina Weyl)