The Cathedrals of Broadway 1929

Florine Stettheimer made this painting, The Cathedrals of Broadway, with oil paint in the early to mid twentieth century. Stettheimer's light touch is almost like she's sketching with paint. It feels quick, capturing the fleeting energy of Broadway. The surface has a translucent quality, with thin layers of paint creating a dreamy, ethereal feel. Look closely, and you can see how the white paint skims across the canvas, unifying the composition. There's a delightful mix of precision and looseness. The word "Silence" is emblazoned on a podium, as if to suggest a sacred space or altar to silence itself. It makes me think of Charles Demuth, another artist who found inspiration in the everyday, elevating it to something extraordinary. Ultimately, Stettheimer's Broadway is a reminder that art doesn't have to be serious or heavy. It can be playful, witty, and full of life.