I. Beekman Estate c. 1936

Gilbert Sackerman created this rendering of the I. Beekman Estate using watercolor and graphite on paper. The visual softness and translucency of the watercolor, combined with the precision of graphite lines, work together to evoke a sense of delicate refinement. The artist used traditional techniques to depict a bird’s eye view of an estate, a common approach in mapping and real estate marketing. The layout of the land, the garden, and the estate is precisely illustrated. The meticulous process involved reflects the intention to not only capture the physical attributes of the estate, but also communicate something about the social standing of its owner. There’s no attempt to disguise the work involved in maintaining such grounds. The manicured lawns, geometric garden, and stately home, all speak to extensive labor required to uphold such an image. The rendering offers a peek into the historical context of wealth, class, and the visual arts.