Samuel Brecher, born in Austria, was a member of that generation of immigrant artists of the early

20^th century who came to these shores, challenged the existing standards of beauty, and contributed to

the enrichment of our nation's cultural growth.

The earlier artists in America had sought to represent their feelings of the geographical wonders

of the landscape in meticulous detail relying on spiritual tendencies. With the onset of industrialization

and commercialization, the wilderness of the Hudson River era gave way to expanded cities and

sprawling suburbs. The more worldly art ensued, incorporating eclectic forms of decoration and varied

subject matter. The artist then found new meaning in the timeless experience of both nature and the

machine age. The new art highlighted different forms ofbeauty in balance, design, and color. Whistler

made note of this in the Gentle Art of Making Enemies, "Nature sings her exquisite song to the

artist alone."

Samuel Brecher was such an artist. He gave visual form to the rhythm and energy of modern life,

creating images of startling verve and vitality. His work responded to the constantchanges of his era,

and was stimulated by the currents in art that were gaining ground in the 20^th century. Though he

participated and was influenced by the many movements, he always maintained his individual style.

We are proud to present a group of paintings drawn from the artist's estate, which represent an

anthology of the various modes reflecting his long career. His lyrical renderings of summers in

Provincetown, Gloucester, and Maine; the views of houses, beaches, and still lifes abound. His

depiction of the circus, the theater, the musician, are notable for the robust delineation of design and

artistry. His agony over social injustice cries out in his canvases.

His exhibits were extensive including the Salmagundi Club, Allied Artists, Carnegie Institute,

National Academy of Design, and the San Francisco Museum, frequently resulting in awards and prizes.

Just a few museums where you can view his art are the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Minneapolis

Museum, Newark Museum, Tel Aviv, Smithsonian, and the Florida State Collection.

This re-discovery is a gift that attests to the artist's strength of vision. It is an illuminating glimpse

of a multi-faceted artist whose achievements were at one time recognized and hosted by major galleries

and collectors. As Keats said "...As though a rose should shut and be a bud again."