New York City Hospital

c. 1936

Gilbert Sackerman

Associated Names
Gilbert Sackerman

Artist, American, active c. 1935

The image shows a building surrounded by tall trees. The view is focused on the building's entrance. Lush foliage covers much of the upper part of the scene, obscuring the horizon. The sky can be seen in the distance. The watercolor brushstrokes are delicate and fluid. Sunlight filters through the leaves, creating patterns on the path leading to the building. The color palette includes soft blues, greens, brown, and deep plum for shadows. A paved walkway is bordered by grass and sunlight, leading to the building with formal steps. The trees create a natural arch over the scene.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    watercolor and graphite on paperboard

  • Credit Line

    Index of American Design

  • Dimensions

    overall: 51 x 38.3 cm (20 1/16 x 15 1/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.8.9862

More About this Artwork

This painting depicts an angel in flight, facing the left and playing a trumpet. The angel's wings are spread out behind them, and their feet are extended out horizontally to the right. A small rod or post extends downward from the torso of the angel. The angel is entirely painted in shades of yellow, reddish-brown, and gray, reminiscent of weathered metal with patches of rust. Small rivets are visible at joints and edges of the angel, which appears to be comprised of small panels. The background of the painting is plain beige paper.

Article:  Seven Highlights from the Index of American Design

Peer into the American past with a collection of Great Depression–era watercolors.


Artwork history & notes

Wikidata ID

Q64572255

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