Name/Title
Delman, Ben E. (1898-1973) "California Fruit"Entry/Object ID
2025.900.FA18142Tags
Oil PaintingDescription
A rectangular table is the platform for dried flowers and branches in an ornamental vase, a clear pedestal fruit bowl filled with pears, grapes and nectarines, as well as a small serving platter holding the same fruit. The vase and table are adorned with cool-colored shapes, without pattern. A blue fabric with pronounced brushstrokes is draped diagonally across the table from the wall behind it. A framed painting in the background juxtaposes the dried contents of the vase with a depiction of green tree leaves.Collection
Mt. Morris TB Hospital FAP CollectionDimensions
Width
24-1/2 inDepth
29-1/2 inCondition
Overall Condition
PoorDate Examined
Jul 21, 2025Notes
5+ cracks throughout, 8+ chips bottom middle edges/on smallest pear/ upper left middle edge/ top middle, splattering lower left cornerRecommendations
repairs required for paint cracking, minor paint missingProvenance
Provenance Detail
Created under the Works Progress Administration’s Federal Art Project (1930s–1940s), this collection of easel paintings was originally installed at the Mount Morris Tuberculosis Sanitorium in Livingston County, New York. Following the sanitorium’s closure in 1970, the artworks were abandoned and remained in storage until their rediscovery decades later. Now preserved and exhibited by the Genesee Valley Council on the Arts (GVCA), the collection is housed at the New Deal Museum in Mount Morris. Current efforts include digitization, high-resolution photography, and the creation of an online archive to ensure long-term public access and research availability.General Notes
Note Type
Cataloging NoteNote
See the entry titled 'New Deal Collection Documents' for supporting documents, and general historic and research information.
