Nicholas R. Brewer (American, 1857-1949). Oil on canvas titled “Moon Light over Hell Gate N.Y.,” 1888. Signed and dated along the lower right; further signed, titled, and dated along the verso. This serene harborscape is a rare and lovely example of Brewer’s work from his time in New York. Born in a log cabin in Minnesota in 1857, Nicholas Brewer’s work typifies his frontier spirit and love for the American landscape. He grew up on a farm, where his days were defined by hard work, but he still found the time to draw and paint in between chores. At the age of 18, he moved to St. Paul. He received some art training there from Henry Koempel, a local painter and decorator, and ended up marrying Koempel’s daughter. He eked out a living for his swiftly growing family through portrait commissions and teaching.

In 1885, Brewer first traveled to New York, determined to make it as a serious artist. He received a small amount of training there; however, he remained primarily self-taught. He began receiving some success in New York, and continued spending winters there for much of his career. His work was included in several exhibitions, and he was inducted into the illustrious Salmagundi Club. In his later career, he traveled the United States, giving traveling lectures and exhibitions, as well as taking portrait commissions wherever he went. During one productive visit to Washington D.C., Brewer even painted a portrait of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Unframed: height: 12 in x width: 18 in.
Framed: 16 1/2 in x width: 22 1/2 in.