Name/Title
Kaufman, Edwin (1906-1939) "Harbor"Entry/Object ID
2025.900.FA18190Tags
Oil PaintingDescription
At least a third of this painting is dominated by a harbor, whose representation of waves resemble the letter "U" and whose boats are the simplest of icons. To characterize the scene as childlike, however, overlooks the skillful pattern-making applied to trees in the foreground and background. Kaufman creates a bounded world whose simplicity is deceptive; he strips away realist techniques while retaining their representational ends.Collection
Mt. Morris TB Hospital FAP CollectionCondition
Overall Condition
GoodDate Examined
Jul 26, 2025Notes
12+ cracks along lower right scratch, 2 scratches lower right corner/upper middle right, 2 holes center middle section, indent centerProvenance
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.
